Covid Inquiry: Matt Hancock wanted to decide ‘who should live and who should die’, says former NHS boss

Matt Hancock wanted to decide "who should live and who should die" if hospitals became overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, the former NHS England boss has claimed.
By Dominic McGrath and Sam Blewett
Published 2nd Nov 2023, 19:50 BST
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Lord Simon Stevens, who led NHS England until 2021, largely refused to criticise the former health secretary during his appearance before the Covid-19 inquiry.

That is in contrast to other figures who appeared before Baroness Heather Hallett's probe this week, including former top Number 10 adviser Dominic Cummings and ex-civil servant Helen MacNamara.

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In his witness statement to the inquiry, the peer said: "The secretary of state for health and social care took the position that in this situation he – rather than, say, the medical profession or the public – should ultimately decide who should live and who should die.

Matt Hancock giving a Covid updated from Downing Street. Picture: Getty ImagesMatt Hancock giving a Covid updated from Downing Street. Picture: Getty Images
Matt Hancock giving a Covid updated from Downing Street. Picture: Getty Images

"Fortunately, this horrible dilemma never crystallised."

Giving oral evidence to the inquiry, he added: "I certainly wanted to discourage the idea that an individual secretary of state, other than in the most exceptional circumstances, should be deciding how care would be provided.