A GROUP pushing for independent Wales inquiry into Covid-19 are hopeful after meeting with First Minister.

Members of the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru group met with First Minister Mark Drakeford for the third time last week, on 26 January, to discuss the need for an independent, Wales-only, inquiry into the handling of the pandemic.

Catherine Griffiths, from Machynlleth, is a member of the group and said she can’t see how a UK inquiry will “scrutinise Wales effectively and completely to ensure preparedness for the next pandemic”.

“It was a very productive meeting, he obviously couldn’t give us any updates on a possible Wales inquiry because he is committed to the UK inquiry.

“There are criteria they have to meet for him to approve the UK inquiry. The first criteria is he has to approve the chair of the UK inquiry - which is Lady Hallett. She seems good and knowledgeable.

“He said in the process of this inquiry she wants to put families in the heart.

“His second and third criteria are to approve the terms of reference and working practices.

“We expect the terms of reference any day now, the first minister said they are imminent.

“It is possible the inquiry will be itinerant and so will travel to Wales and other devolved nations, speaking to anybody involved. But none of this is set in stone.”

But Catherine said the “cross-party” group believe an independent inquiry is “absolutely necessary”: “I think it’s still on the cards, the other two criteria haven’t been established. I feel it’s dependent on those.

“I am hopeful, it seems to me and many other ordinary people, and politicians, that an independent inquiry is absolutely necessary.

“If our government in Wales take responsibility for devolved issues, then they have to take accountability for them. There are no two ways about it.”

They will be meeting with Mark Drakeford again after the release of the terms of reference.

The group were also invited to speak to Senedd Members at a forum on 3 November and will be returning to speak to the Senedd on 1 March.

“In December, there was a debate in the Senedd after the Conservatives tabled a motion that we should have a Wales inquiry.

“It was incredibly moving. Everybody who spoke, spoke with great eloquence and passion. When it came to a vote it was 50/50. Elin Jones MS, as Llywydd, had the casting vote and could only vote against the motion and maintain the status quo.

“It was a great disappointment really. They can table a motion at any time to repeat the debate. My personal opinion is that when they see the terms of reference they might feel it’s time to table another debate.”