Posted 2/1/2024, 8:57:00 AM
Scottish Secretary Regrets Deleting WhatsApps During Pandemic Inquiry
- Scottish Secretary Alister Jack deleted all his WhatsApps from during the pandemic to free up storage space
- Jack expressed regret but said he would not have done so if he could "turn back the clock"
- Jack did not believe Nicola Sturgeon when she denied politicizing the pandemic
- The inquiry heard moving closing statements from representatives of bereaved families and vulnerable groups
- Counsel for the Scottish government acknowledged mistakes were made and decisions disproportionately affected the vulnerable
- Recommendations were made to improve transparency, data collection, and preparedness for future pandemics