During the Covid inquiry, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch expressed her belief that the government placed too much emphasis on the health impact of the pandemic, neglecting the economic consequences.
Overlooking the Financial Hit to Households
Badenoch argued that more consideration should have been given to the financial difficulties faced by households as a result of the virus.
Unaddressed Consequences for Education
Furthermore, Badenoch highlighted that school absence rates have not returned to pre-pandemic levels due to anxiety and a lack of mental health support, making it difficult for children to leave their homes.
Need for More Focus on Economic Impact
Badenoch stated, "I think another area we should have done more on was on the economic impact. We were looking very much at the health side and I think that we should have looked at the economic impact of lockdown. I think that now you're seeing many outcomes which are related to, you know, the missing children in schools, for example, what happened to them."
Government's Struggle with Misinformation
Badenoch also revealed that she has been targeted by conspiracy theorists and criticized the government's handling of misinformation. She emphasized that the government has not adapted to the speed at which information spreads on social media and called for addressing this issue.
"I don't know how we solve it, but in terms of gaps, I think there is a lesson in the pandemic that this is an area that needs some addressing," Badenoch concluded.
