UNISON renewed its calls for a full public inquiry into the Tory government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis as the nation marked the anniversary of the first lockdown today.

The union said that an inquiry should be held when “the worst of the pandemic was over.”

It must hear from front-line workers so lessons can be learned and further key worker deaths prevented, Unison demanded. 

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also said that he wanted an inquiry and that health workers and bereaved families are “owed answers” as to why more than 126,000 people have died.

The party said it should start in June when lockdown restrictions are due to end.  

The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group has long-called for an independent public inquiry with statutory powers to be held “as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged that there would be a time to “learn the lessons of what happened,” but any investigation now would be premature. 

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The government has come up short in protecting the nation, especially front-line workers.

“Many staff have been left desperate, frightened and traumatised as a result.   

“Lockdowns have come too late, NHS employees had to deal with the terrible consequences, and social care was effectively abandoned at a terrible cost to residents and staff.

“A full public inquiry is needed so these mistakes aren’t repeated. The government owes it to all those who are grieving the death of loved ones.”

In addition to the awful death toll, many coronavirus survivors are suffering from the effects of “long Covid” health problems, and reports of mental-health issues have soared during three national lockdowns.