UK POLITICS LIVE: Boris Johnson says he does not oppose giving information to Covid inquiry
The Guardian says the Covid-19 inquiry has extended the deadline for evidence to be submitted, amid an ongoing tug-of-war over whether Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages and notebooks will be handed over to it.
The previous deadline had been 4pm today, but after a request to delay it for a week until 5 June, the chair of the inquiry has granted a “short extension” until 4pm on Thursday.
The Cabinet Office has so far refused to hand over the documents. The notice released on Tuesday said that the Cabinet Office has claimed it does not have the documents.
Reports have suggested that the government does not believe the inquiry has the rights over the documents.
The inquiry has said that its demand for the documents has been widened to include a “witness statement from a senior civil servant, verified by a statement of truth” over whether the cabinet office holds the information or more details about them.
Boris Johnson has insisted he does not object to disclosing his evidence to the Covid-19 inquiry.
A spokesman for the former prime minister said: “Johnson has no objection to disclosing material to the inquiry. He has done so and will continue to do so.
“The decision to challenge the inquiry’s position on redactions is for the Cabinet Office.”
