An independent public inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic will begin in the spring of next year, the prime minister has announced.

Boris Johnson revealed the news in a COVID-19 statement to MPs on Wednesday, telling the Commons it will be able to take oral evidence under oath and put “the state’s actions under the microscope”.

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More than 127,000 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test since the pandemic began last year, while over 150,000 deaths have mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate.

The PM said that “amid such tragedy the state has an obligation to examine its actions as rigorously and as candidly as possible” and “learn every lesson for the future”.

He continued: “This inquiry must be able to look at the events of the last year in the cold light of day and identify the key issues that will make a difference for the future.

“Free to scrutinise every document to hear from all the key players and analyse and learn from the breadth of our response.

“That’s the right way, I think, to get the answers that the people of this country deserve and to ensure that our United Kingdom is better prepared for any future pandemic.”

Mr Johnson said his government would work closely with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in setting up the inquiry, consulting on the inquiry’s terms of reference.

Given the potential threat of new COVID variants and the possibility of a winter surge, the PM said he expected the “right moment” for the inquiry to begin is spring 2022.

Mr Johnson also announced that a commission on COVID commemoration would be set up.

“This national endeavour above party politics will remember the loved ones we have lost, honour the heroism of those who have saved lives and the courage of frontline workers who have kept our country going, celebrate the genius of those who created the vaccines and commemorate the small acts of kindness and the daily sacrifice of millions who stayed at home buying time for our scientists to come to our rescue,” he said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the inquiry, but he urged the PM to consult with the families who have lost loved ones to COVID.

“This inquiry will only work if it has the support and confidence of the families,” Sir Keir said, also calling for the government to consult with frontline workers.

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