BEREAVED families say they remain concerned about being marginalised by the Covid-19 inquiry despite assurances from its chair that they will be at the heart of the probe. 

Opening the first phase of the public inquiry into Britain’s handling of the pandemic today, Baroness Heather Hallett addressed concerns raised by bereaved groups that their testimonies may not be heard as direct evidence. 

Lady Hallett gave reassurances that those most affected would be properly consulted but said if she were to consult them at every stage of the process, the inquiry would “go on forever.”