Ministers considered culling pet cats at start of pandemic, says former minister
The IndependentGet the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ministers briefly considered ordering all domestic cats in Britain to be killed amid fears they could be spreading Covid, a former health minister has said. Mr Hancock’s spokesman said a report claiming he rejected clinical advice on care home testing was “flat wrong” because he was told it was “not currently possible” to carry out the tests. The Telegraph’s investigation revealed England’s chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty told the then-health secretary in April 2020 there should be testing for “all going into care homes”. But the exchanges, from April 14, 2020, suggest Mr Hancock ultimately rejected the guidance, telling an aide the move just “muddies the waters”, and introduced mandatory testing only for those coming from hospitals rather than the community.
History of this topic
What’s with all the headline-grabbing cats in Downing Street?
The Independent
Covid inquiry live: Hancock ‘wanted to decide who should live or die if NHS became overwhelmed’
The Independent
Hancock ‘killed people’ and ‘lied’ in pandemic, Cummings told PM
The Independent
UK was ill-prepared for pandemic because resources were diverted to Brexit, ex-health chief says
The Independent
Matt Hancock arrives to give evidence to Covid-19 inquiry
The Independent
UK health chief's leaked messages revive raw pandemic debate
The Independent
UK health chief’s leaked messages revive raw pandemic debate
Associated Press
Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak
The Independent
Ex-UK health chief defends record after COVID messages leak
Associated Press
Matt Hancock was warned it was 'inhumane' to impose restrictions on visiting care homes
Daily Mail
The Lockdown Files: Matt Hancock rejected expert advice on care home testing, WhatsApp messages reveal
The Telegraph
Matt Hancock condemned for ‘deluded’ recount of care homes during pandemic
The Independent
Matt Hancock says he has no regrets over handling of Covid pandemic
The Independent
UK's health minister denies claim he lied amid the pandemic
The Independent
Matt Hancock urged to distance himself from report which found ‘nothing special’ about NHS response to Covid
The Independent
Coronavirus: Government to give 11,000 iPads to care homes so residents can speak to families
The Independent
Coronavirus: Health leaders back public inquiry into handling of pandemic
The IndependentDiscover Related
