Bereaved families gather outside the venue where the first witnesses are being called for an inquiry probing the UK government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The first phase of the inquiry will focus on the UK's resilience and preparedness in the face of the global health emergency. Relatives of Covid-19 victims have taken aim at the investigation, saying it will be a "farce" if bereaved families are not able to testify, while there has been debate over the extent to which WhatsApp messages between government ministers should be made available for scrutiny. The public hearings are scheduled to conclude by summer 2026. IMAGES