The Right Time for Inquiry: Will the Government Ever Face Scrutiny for the Pandemic's Deadly Toll?

The United Kingdom government has repeatedly avoided a public inquiry into their mismanagement of the pandemic, leading to over 120,000 deaths. Critics argue that it is never a better time than now for such an investigation, especially given the government's historical actions and the scope of their failures.

Historical Context and Current Actions

Recent years have seen the UK government engage in controversial practices, including attempts to prorogue Parliament in 2019, an action that was later deemed illegal by the High Court. This same government now seeks to thwart public demonstrations and silence media outlets like the BBC. Such actions have raised concerns about whether the government truly values transparency and accountability.

At the helm of this government are individuals described as elitist, wealthy, and often incapable of understanding the need for a public inquiry. Individuals like Cummings, who participated in providing misleading information to the public, have demonstrated a disconcerting lack of transparency. The recent massive interview with Oprah, while highly publicized, does little to address the genuine questions surrounding government actions during the pandemic.

The Unlikely Nature of a Future Inquiry

The government's stance is clear: they believe that questioning their actions is not necessary, and any inquiry would be futile. This stance is not surprising, given the government's consistent efforts to prevent scrutiny. As long as the current government remains in power, it is unlikely that a meaningful inquiry will be initiated, regardless of the evidence of mismanagement.

For an inquiry to be truly valuable, significant societal changes must occur that make the government more vulnerable. This could include widespread vaccination without adverse effects, more job security for individuals affected by the pandemic, and the passage of sufficient time for grief and reflection. Until these conditions are met, the prospect of an inquiry remains far from certain.

Broader Implications and Political Strategies

The government's resistance to inquiry extends beyond the pandemic. It encompasses a broader array of issues, including Brexit, corruption, and personal failures. In each case, the government responds with a similar refrain: they are above scrutiny and judgment.

The government's approach appears to be a self-serving strategy aimed at maintaining power rather than addressing the underlying issues. Concerns about the government's veracity and accountability are not novel; they have been raised consistently over the years. The government's support base, however, has continually rallied behind them, allowing them to perpetuate this cycle of avoidance.

Moreover, the government often frames issues in a manner that deflects blame onto others or appears to align with the government's broader narrative. This strategy is designed to maintain public support and ensure their continued control over the political landscape. Examples of this include the framing of humiliating the so-called "fishermen" as a victory for the government, despite the negative impact on their lives.

The government's approach also raises significant ethical questions. Their refusal to engage in meaningful self-reflection and accountability suggests a lack of genuine concern for public well-being. By deflecting blame and maintaining control, they are able to avoid responsibility for their actions, which often have severe and far-reaching consequences.

Conclusion: The Government's Ethos and the Future of Accountability

In response to the question of when there might be a "right" time for inquiry, the answer remains pessimistic. The current government's refusal to engage in meaningful scrutiny is deeply rooted in a broader ethos of self-preservation and control. However, as the government continues to face more scrutiny and criticism, there may come a point where external pressures force them to reconsider their stance on inquiry.

To those advocating for a public inquiry, the message remains clear: there is work to be done before a meaningful investigation can take place. The government must be held accountable not only for the pandemic but for a broader range of issues that impact the public. As long as the conditions for meaningful inquiry are not met, the government's approach will likely remain unchanged.