Covid inquiry: Gloucestershire women's 'absolute shock' at evidence

Jane Wier-Wierzbowska has been marching against the government's handling of the pandemic

Two women whose mothers died from Covid-19 say they are "absolutely shocked" by the current public inquiry.

Witnesses have so far painted a picture of chaos at the top of government.

The mothers of Jane Wier-Wierzbowska and her friend Nicola, who does not want to share her surname, died in care homes.

Ms Wier-Wierzbowska, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, said watching the inquiry was "very upsetting" and "very hard".

Both women attended the start of the inquiry, and have been following it closely.

Ms Wier-Wierzbowska, said: "It's heartbreaking actually that every single person we've heard has been critical."

Nicola is part of a group of bereaved families calling for change

Public hearings are taking place across 35 days between 3 October and 14 December.

They will examine key decision-making in Westminster between early January 2020 and February 2022, when the final Covid-19 restrictions in England were lifted.

In recent days the inquiry has heard language such as, "this country is heading for a disaster", "melting down", "no plan" and "let the bodies pile high".

"It shocked me to the core that the elderly were dispensable," said Nicola, adding: "That hurts me beyond all recognition".

She said: "The implication that the health secretary was prepared to decide who lived or died - that's absolutely shocking."

• What is the UK Covid inquiry and how long will it take?

• Ex-minister pressed on Covid plan for disabled people

Giving evidence, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, said the handling of the pandemic was "hugely frustrating".

On Wednesday, Mr Tomlinson, who was the minister for disabled people when the pandemic began, talked of the Downing Street press briefings and the failure to have a sign language interpreter.

He said: "This was hugely frustrating. I've highlighted many areas where the cross-government flagging of issues, quick resolutions, positive outcomes... this was on the other end of the spectrum.

"It was one of those, it could and should have been better."

'Shocking revelations'

Ms Wier-Wierzbowska said: "It's very upsetting actually and very hard to listen and to watch, particularly with what's evolved over the last week, where we've had some shocking revelations.".

She said people were "behaving in a way you wouldn't expect them to behave in government".

The campaigners hope the inquiry will lead to change.

"We need to have things in place so that should this, when this, ever happens again, we absolutely minimise loss," added Nicola.

Both women have marched in protest, as part of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, and say they plan to keep up the pressure as the inquiry continues.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]