Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by disability status, England and Wales: 2 March to 15 May 2020, published by the Office for National Statistics on 19 June, what plans they have to hold an inquiry to determine (1) the reasons for the deaths of a large number of disabled people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) the lessons which might be learned for the future.

We know that many people with long-standing, limiting illnesses or health conditions are at higher risk of poorer outcomes from COVID-19.

We continue to review all available evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 for disabled people and we are commissioning new research to better understand the specific impacts. This evidence will inform policy development going forwards.

The Government continues to be in the critical phase of responding to COVID-19. There will be opportunities in the future to look back, analyse and reflect on all aspects of COVID-19. And as the Prime Minister has said, this will include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time.