CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the “broad” proposed terms of reference of the coronavirus inquiry but stress delays reaching this point will have already cost lives. 

The long-awaited draft terms of reference into the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis, chaired by retired judge Lady Hallett, was published on Thursday. 

It proposes to examine a range of issues including the use of lockdowns, the management of the pandemic in hospitals and care homes, procurement of PPE as well as the furlough scheme, benefits and sick pay.