street employees are giving downing street employees are giving evidence today. we will be hearing from politicians themselves later in the year, but at the moment it is their advisers that are facing the questions. we are going to cross to our correspondent ellie pryce who is following proceedings for us. so the inquiry for today, the proceedings for today about to open. just remind us who we are going to be hearing from today. us who we are going to be hearing from today-— us who we are going to be hearing from toda . ~ , ., ., ., from today. well, they are about to net under from today. well, they are about to get under way _ from today. well, they are about to get under way today, _ from today. well, they are about to get under way today, and _ from today. well, they are about to get under way today, and it - from today. well, they are about to get under way today, and it is - get under way today, and it is coming back with a bang this week. we will be hearing from martin reynolds this morning, the principal private secretary to boris johnson during that time, and he earned himself the rather unpopular nickname of party ma. he was the one who sent out the invitation to more than 100 downing st staff during

lockdown inviting them to a bring your own booze party to which about 30 or a0 people turned up in the gardens in lockdown. that was breaching rules because of the time you are only allowed to meet with one other person from outside your household outside. even that day, government officials had been on television warning people that those were the rules. so it was seen very much as a real embarrassment at the very least to the government at the time, orwhen very least to the government at the time, or when it came out, rather, a year later. so they will be no doubt that will be talked about in question today in the inquiry. then we will be hearing from lee cain, the director of communications for the director of communications for the prime minister, and that is going to be significant also, because we have also had an indication of the private correspondence going on between lee cain and other senior officials during that time which gives you a bit of a glimpse of some of the internal row is going on in number 10, his suggestion was that the real person in charge was not the prime

minister but indeed his wife, carrie. so what i think is interesting is that the testimony we will hear from people during this inquiry, the questions that are asked, and also the evidence that we see, so we're going to see a bit more of those whatsapp messages, private e—mails and those sorts of things that are presented to the inquiry which give you an insight into what was going on. we are going to hear more this week about exactly what was going on in politics in the uk right at the heart of the covid pandemic in 2020. find uk right at the heart of the covid pandemic in 2020.— pandemic in 2020. and who is chairina pandemic in 2020. and who is chairing this _ pandemic in 2020. and who is chairing this inquiry? - pandemic in 2020. and who is | chairing this inquiry? baroness hallett. chairing this inquiry? baroness hallett- she — chairing this inquiry? baroness hallett. she is _ chairing this inquiry? baroness hallett. she is certainly - chairing this inquiry? baroness hallett. she is certainly no - hallett. she is certainly no nonsense, and certainly won't be a pushover. it is not her asking the questions, but she will if she feels she is not getting the information she is not getting the information she wants. we have heard from scientists and advisers, we are going to be hearing from politicians later on in the next few weeks.

giving us all a sense of the decisions that were made during that time. the scientist obviously giving the background to exactly what decisions were made about lockdown is, whether they were made early enough or too late, but this week is very much about the inner machinations of what some critics would call dysfunctionality right at the centre of government, and we are going to get more of that not only testimony but from the documents that follow it. we are going to hear tomorrow also from dominic cummings who became known to many critics as the bogeyman figure who later left... �* , ., ., , left... i'm “ust going to “ump in, because i h left... i'm just going to “ump in, because i believe _ left... i'm just going to jump in, because i believe proceedings . left... i'm just going to jump in, l because i believe proceedings are about to get under way. baroness hallett has just entered the room and sat down, and is now addressing the room, so let's listen in. in consultation with the council to the inquiry— consultation with the council to the inquiry and — consultation with the council to the inquiry and core participants, it is for me _ inquiry and core participants, it is for me to — inquiry and core participants, it is for me to decide which witnesses to call, which — for me to decide which witnesses to call, which documents to put into

evidence — call, which documents to put into evidence and publish. i do so hearing — evidence and publish. i do so hearing in— evidence and publish. i do so bearing in mind my obligations to fulfil my— bearing in mind my obligations to fulfil my terms of reference fully, fairly. _ fulfil my terms of reference fully, fairly, independently and openly. i wish to— fairly, independently and openly. i wish to remind all those involved in the inquiry— wish to remind all those involved in the inquiry is core participants and witnesses — the inquiry is core participants and witnesses of the need to maintain the confidentiality of the materials which _ the confidentiality of the materials which they have been provided unless and untii— which they have been provided unless and until they are used for the inquiry— and until they are used for the inquiry proceedings. fairness to witnesses — inquiry proceedings. fairness to witnesses and those named in the book_ witnesses and those named in the book documents requires that materials are deployed and published in a logical— materials are deployed and published in a logical order, and allowing the witness _ in a logical order, and allowing the witness to— in a logical order, and allowing the witness to whom the materials relate an appropriate opportunity to comment. i have promised to conduct the inquiry— comment. i have promised to conduct the inquiryas— comment. i have promised to conduct the inquiry as openly as possible, and i_ the inquiry as openly as possible, and i am — the inquiry as openly as possible, and i am doing so, publishing large quantities— and i am doing so, publishing large quantities of previously confidential information about decision—making during the pandemic on the _ decision—making during the pandemic on the inquiry website. this materiai— on the inquiry website. this material in these proceedings give the media —

material in these proceedings give the media much on which to report. it only— the media much on which to report. it only assists those who unlike the inquiry— it only assists those who unlike the inquiry which investigates independently, have an agenda to pursue _ independently, have an agenda to pursue for— independently, have an agenda to pursue for this material to be shared — pursue for this material to be shared before the inquiry has published it. i shared before the inquiry has published it. lam shared before the inquiry has published it. i am conscious that we will start— published it. i am conscious that we will start hearing from high—profile and important witnesses in the coming — and important witnesses in the coming days, and there will be much understandable speculation about what these witnesses will say. i ask all core _ what these witnesses will say. i ask all core participants and witnesses with access to such material to continue — with access to such material to continue to respect the terms on which _ continue to respect the terms on which it— continue to respect the terms on which it has been shared with them so that— which it has been shared with them so that we — which it has been shared with them so that we can all hear what they say at _ so that we can all hear what they say at the — so that we can all hear what they say at the same time and fully, without— say at the same time and fully, without gloss, partiality and in a proper— without gloss, partiality and in a proper context. thank you. mr keith. my lady, _ proper context. thank you. mr keith. my lady, the — proper context. thank you. mr keith. my lady, the first witness this morning — my lady, the first witness this morning as _ my lady, the first witness this morning as martin _ my lady, the first witness this morning as martin reynolds. i my lady, the first witness this - morning as martin reynolds. could he be sworn. _ morning as martin reynolds. could he be sworn. please _ morning as martin reynolds. could he be sworn, please. i— morning as martin reynolds. could he be sworn, please.— be sworn, please. i swear by almighty _ be sworn, please. i swear by almighty god _ be sworn, please. i swear by almighty god that _ be sworn, please. i swear by almighty god that the - be sworn, please. i swear by i almighty god that the evidence be sworn, please. i swear by - almighty god that the evidence i

shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. could you convince commence your evidence _ could you convince commence your evidence of— could you convince commence your evidence of this _ could you convince commence your evidence of this inquiry _ could you convince commence your evidence of this inquiry by- could you convince commence your evidence of this inquiry by giving i evidence of this inquiry by giving us your— evidence of this inquiry by giving us your full— evidence of this inquiry by giving us your full name. _ evidence of this inquiry by giving us your full name.— evidence of this inquiry by giving us your full name. martin alexander bailey reynolds. _ us your full name. martin alexander bailey reynolds. you _ us your full name. martin alexander bailey reynolds. you were - us your full name. martin alexander bailey reynolds. you were the - us your full name. martin alexander i bailey reynolds. you were the former rinci al bailey reynolds. you were the former principal private _ bailey reynolds. you were the former principal private secretary _ bailey reynolds. you were the former principal private secretary to - bailey reynolds. you were the former principal private secretary to the - principal private secretary to the then _ principal private secretary to the then prime — principal private secretary to the then prime minister— principal private secretary to the then prime minister boris- principal private secretary to the i then prime minister borisjohnson, where _ then prime minister borisjohnson, where you — then prime minister borisjohnson, where you not? _ then prime minister borisjohnson, where you not? l— then prime minister boris johnson, where you not?— then prime minister boris johnson, where you not?_ you - then prime minister boris johnson, l where you not?_ you have where you not? i was, yes. you have rovided where you not? i was, yes. you have provided a — where you not? i was, yes. you have provided a witness _ where you not? i was, yes. you have provided a witness statement - where you not? i was, yes. you have provided a witness statement dated l provided a witness statement dated the 22nd _ provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of— provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of may— provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of may 2023, _ provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of may 2023, a _ provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of may 2023, a copy- provided a witness statement dated the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of- the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which _ the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is — the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is on _ the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is on the _ the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is on the screen, - the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is on the screen, and - the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of which is on the screen, and i- the 22nd of may 2023, a copy of. which is on the screen, and i think you have — which is on the screen, and i think you have signed _ which is on the screen, and i think you have signed that— which is on the screen, and i think you have signed that statement i which is on the screen, and i think. you have signed that statement with the usual— you have signed that statement with the usual declaration _ you have signed that statement with the usual declaration on _ you have signed that statement with the usual declaration on the - you have signed that statement with the usual declaration on the last - the usual declaration on the last page. _ the usual declaration on the last page. page _ the usual declaration on the last page. page 25 _ the usual declaration on the last page, page 23. thank— the usual declaration on the last page, page 23. thank you - the usual declaration on the last page, page 23. thank you for. the usual declaration on the last l page, page 23. thank you for your assistance — page, page 23. thank you for your assistance in — page, page 23. thank you for your assistance in providing _ page, page 23. thank you for your assistance in providing that- page, page 23. thank you for your assistance in providing that to - page, page 23. thank you for your assistance in providing that to us. | assistance in providing that to us. you joined — assistance in providing that to us. you joined the _ assistance in providing that to us. you joined the civil— assistance in providing that to us. you joined the civil service - assistance in providing that to us. you joined the civil service in - assistance in providing that to us. you joined the civil service in the i you joined the civil service in the late 1990s. — you joined the civil service in the late 19905, did _ you joined the civil service in the late 1990s, did you _ you joined the civil service in the late 1990s, did you not? -

you joined the civil service in the late 1990s, did you not? i- you joined the civil service in the late 1990s, did you not?- you joined the civil service in the late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you — late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you had _ late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you had worked _ late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you had worked before - late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you had worked before as i late 1990s, did you not? i did, yes. i think you had worked before as a l i think you had worked before as a lawyer— i think you had worked before as a lawyer in— i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a — i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a city— i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a city law _ i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a city law firm. _ i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a city law firm. did - i think you had worked before as a lawyer in a city law firm. did you l lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin— lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin your— lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin your civil— lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin your civil service - lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin your civil service career i lawyer in a city law firm. did you begin your civil service career at| begin your civil service career at the foreign— begin your civil service career at the foreign and _ begin your civil service career at the foreign and commonwealth| begin your civil service career at - the foreign and commonwealth office? i did, the foreign and commonwealth office? i did, yes _ the foreign and commonwealth office? i did, es. �* the foreign and commonwealth office? idid, es. �* , . , the foreign and commonwealth office? idid, es. ,. , ::' i did, yes. between december 2014 and january — i did, yes. between december 2014 and january 2018. _ i did, yes. between december 2014 and january 2018, where _ i did, yes. between december 2014 and january 2018, where you - i did, yes. between december 2014 and january 2018, where you the i and january 2018, where you the principal— and january 2018, where you the principal private _ and january 2018, where you the principal private secretary, - and january 2018, where you the principal private secretary, the l principal private secretary, the pps, — principal private secretary, the pps, to — principal private secretary, the pps, to the _ principal private secretary, the pps, to the then— principal private secretary, the pps, to the then foreign - principal private secretary, the - pps, to the then foreign secretary, initially— pps, to the then foreign secretary, initially philip — pps, to the then foreign secretary, initially philip hammond, _ pps, to the then foreign secretary, initially philip hammond, and - pps, to the then foreign secretary, initially philip hammond, and thenl initially philip hammond, and then from july— initially philip hammond, and then from july 2016. _ initially philip hammond, and then from july 2016, boris _ initially philip hammond, and then from july 2016, boris johnson? - initially philip hammond, and then. from july 2016, borisjohnson? that from july 2016, boris johnson? that is correct. when _ from july 2016, boris johnson? that is correct. when mr _ from july 2016, boris johnson? that is correct. when mrjohnson - from july 2016, boris johnson? that is correct. when mrjohnson was - is correct. when mrjohnson was a- ointed is correct. when mrjohnson was appointed prime _ is correct. when mrjohnson was appointed prime minister- is correct. when mrjohnson was appointed prime minister in - is correct. when mrjohnson was appointed prime minister in july| appointed prime minister injuly 2019. _ appointed prime minister injuly 2019. did — appointed prime minister injuly 2019. did he _ appointed prime minister injuly 2019, did he request— appointed prime minister injuly 2019, did he request you - appointed prime minister injuly 2019, did he request you to- appointed prime minister injuly. 2019, did he request you to return to london— 2019, did he request you to return to london in— 2019, did he request you to return to london in order— 2019, did he request you to return to london in order to— 2019, did he request you to return to london in order to be _ 2019, did he request you to return to london in order to be a - 2019, did he request you to return to london in order to be a privatel to london in order to be a private secretary— to london in order to be a private secretary or — to london in order to be a private secretary or principal— to london in order to be a private secretary or principal private - secretary or principal private secretary _ secretary or principal private secretary to _ secretary or principal private secretary to him? _ secretary or principal private secretary to him?— secretary or principal private secretary to him? and secretary to him? yes, he did. and therefore did _ secretary to him? yes, he did. and therefore did you _ secretary to him? yes, he did. and therefore did you work _ secretary to him? yes, he did. and therefore did you work with - secretary to him? yes, he did. and therefore did you work with him - secretary to him? yes, he did. and l therefore did you work with him from july 2019— therefore did you work with him from july 2019 onwards? _ therefore did you work with him from july 2019 onwards? yes, _

therefore did you work with him from july 2019 onwards?— therefore did you work with him from july 2019 onwards?_ and . july 2019 onwards? yes, i did. and when did you _ july 2019 onwards? yes, i did. and when did you become _ july 2019 onwards? yes, i did. and when did you become principal- when did you become principal private — when did you become principal private secretary? _ when did you become principal private secretary? [— when did you become principal private secretary?— when did you become principal private secretary? i believe it was either october _ private secretary? i believe it was either october or _ private secretary? i believe it was either october or november - private secretary? i believe it was either october or november of. private secretary? i believe it was| either october or november of the same year. either october or november of the same year-— same year. and did you remain mr johnson's principal— same year. and did you remain mr johnson's principal private - johnson's principal private secretary _ johnson's principal private secretary until— johnson's principal private secretary until mid - johnson's principal private l secretary until mid february johnson's principal private - secretary until mid february 2022? that is— secretary until mid february 2022? that is correct, _ secretary until mid february 2022? that is correct, yes. _ secretary until mid february 2022? that is correct, yes. i’d— secretary until mid february 2022? that is correct, yes.— that is correct, yes. i'd like to start your _ that is correct, yes. i'd like to start your evidence, _ that is correct, yes. i'd like to start your evidence, mr - that is correct, yes. i'd like to - start your evidence, mr reynolds, please, _ start your evidence, mr reynolds, please, with— start your evidence, mr reynolds, please, with some _ start your evidence, mr reynolds, please, with some questions - start your evidence, mr reynolds, l please, with some questions about the retention — please, with some questions about the retention of _ please, with some questions about the retention of e—mails _ please, with some questions about the retention of e—mails and - the retention of e—mails and whatsapps, _ the retention of e—mails and whatsapps, given _ the retention of e—mails and whatsapps, given your- the retention of e—mails and whatsapps, given your rolel the retention of e—mails and l whatsapps, given your role as the retention of e—mails and - whatsapps, given your role as the principal— whatsapps, given your role as the principal private _ whatsapps, given your role as the principal private secretary. - whatsapps, given your role as the principal private secretary. do - whatsapps, given your role as the principal private secretary. do you| principal private secretary. do you recall— principal private secretary. do you recall whether _ principal private secretary. do you recall whether there _ principal private secretary. do you recall whether there was - principal private secretary. do you recall whether there was a - principal private secretary. do you recall whether there was a policy. principal private secretary. do you| recall whether there was a policy in downing _ recall whether there was a policy in downing street _ recall whether there was a policy in downing street in _ recall whether there was a policy in downing street in or— recall whether there was a policy in downing street in or around - recall whether there was a policy in downing street in or around the - downing street in or around the first half— downing street in or around the first half of— downing street in or around the first half of 2021 _ downing street in or around the first half of 2021 concerning - first half of 2021 concerning whether— first half of 2021 concerning whether e—mails _ first half of 2021 concerning whether e—mails should - first half of 2021 concerning whether e—mails should be | first half of 2021 concerning - whether e—mails should be retained, how they— whether e—mails should be retained, how they should _ whether e—mails should be retained, how they should be _ whether e—mails should be retained, how they should be accumulated, . whether e—mails should be retained, i how they should be accumulated, how they should _ how they should be accumulated, how they should he — how they should be accumulated, how they should be archived _ how they should be accumulated, how

they should be archived and _ how they should be accumulated, how they should be archived and so - how they should be accumulated, how they should be archived and so on? i they should be archived and so on? yes, _ they should be archived and so on? yes. i_ they should be archived and so on? yes. i believe — they should be archived and so on? yes, i believe that— they should be archived and so on? yes, i believe that e—mails- yes, i believe that e—mails relating, non—ephemeral e—mails related to the decision—making process were retained. stand related to the decision-making process were retained.- related to the decision-making process were retained. and for the --uroses process were retained. and for the purposes of _ process were retained. and for the purposes of this — process were retained. and for the purposes of this inquiry, _ process were retained. and for the purposes of this inquiry, where - process were retained. and for the | purposes of this inquiry, where you therefore _ purposes of this inquiry, where you therefore given— purposes of this inquiry, where you therefore given access _ purposes of this inquiry, where you therefore given access to _ purposes of this inquiry, where you therefore given access to e—mails i therefore given access to e—mails which _ therefore given access to e—mails which you — therefore given access to e—mails which you sent _ therefore given access to e—mails which you sent and _ therefore given access to e—mails which you sent and received - therefore given access to e—mails which you sent and received in i therefore given access to e—mailsl which you sent and received in the course _ which you sent and received in the course of— which you sent and received in the course of your— which you sent and received in the course of your work— which you sent and received in the course of your work in _ which you sent and received in the course of your work in downing. course of your work in downing street — course of your work in downing street which _ course of your work in downing street which were _ course of your work in downing street which were then - course of your work in downing street which were then put - course of your work in downing | street which were then put onto course of your work in downing i street which were then put onto a laptop. _ street which were then put onto a laptop. allowing _ street which were then put onto a laptop, allowing you _ street which were then put onto a laptop, allowing you to _ street which were then put onto a laptop, allowing you to review- street which were then put onto a - laptop, allowing you to review them? that is _ laptop, allowing you to review them? that is correct. — laptop, allowing you to review them? that is correct, although _ laptop, allowing you to review them? that is correct, although i _ laptop, allowing you to review them? that is correct, although i think- that is correct, although i think because of the nature of the it systems, i think i only mainly saw e—mails which i had sent, so i don't think i saw the full comprehensive set of e—mails. in think i saw the full comprehensive set of e-mails._ set of e-mails. in his witness statement. — set of e-mails. in his witness statement, mr— set of e-mails. in his witness statement, mr cummings, i set of e-mails. in his witness i statement, mr cummings, and set of e-mails. in his witness - statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously— statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously aware — statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously aware of _ statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously aware of who _ statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously aware of who mr _ statement, mr cummings, and you're obviously aware of who mr cummingsi obviously aware of who mr cummings is, obviously aware of who mr cummings is. says— obviously aware of who mr cummings is. says that — obviously aware of who mr cummings is. says that in — obviously aware of who mr cummings is, says that in the _ obviously aware of who mr cummings is, says that in the spring _ obviously aware of who mr cummings is, says that in the spring of- obviously aware of who mr cummings is, says that in the spring of 2020, i is, says that in the spring of 2020, so at _ is, says that in the spring of 2020, so at some — is, says that in the spring of 2020, so at some point— is, says that in the spring of 2020, so at some point after— is, says that in the spring of 2020, so at some point after the - so at some point after the commencement _ so at some point after the commencement of- so at some point after the commencement of the - so at some point after the - commencement of the pandemic, so at some point after the _ commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked _ commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked the _ commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked the cabinet— commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked the cabinet office _ commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked the cabinet office to _ commencement of the pandemic, he'd asked the cabinet office to ensure - asked the cabinet office to ensure that number— asked the cabinet office to ensure that numberio _ asked the cabinet office to ensure that numberio e—mail_ asked the cabinet office to ensure that number 10 e—mail accounts. asked the cabinet office to ensure . that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved _ that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved for— that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved for a _ that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved for a future _

that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved for a future lessons _ that number 10 e—mail accounts were saved for a future lessons learned - saved for a future lessons learned exercise — saved for a future lessons learned exercise do — saved for a future lessons learned exercise do you _ saved for a future lessons learned exercise. do you recall— saved for a future lessons learned exercise. do you recall anything . exercise. do you recall anything about— exercise. do you recall anything about that. _ exercise. do you recall anything about that, and _ exercise. do you recall anything about that, and whether- exercise. do you recall anything about that, and whether or - exercise. do you recall anything about that, and whether or notl exercise. do you recall anything - about that, and whether or not there was a _ about that, and whether or not there was a debate — about that, and whether or not there was a debate about _ about that, and whether or not there was a debate about saving _ about that, and whether or not there was a debate about saving e—mails l was a debate about saving e—mails for a _ was a debate about saving e—mails for a lessons — was a debate about saving e—mails for a lessons learned _ was a debate about saving e—mails for a lessons learned exercise? - was a debate about saving e—mails for a lessons learned exercise? i. for a lessons learned exercise? don't, but i believe e—mails for a lessons learned exercise?“ don't, but i believe e—mails were retained in the normal way under our normal policies.— retained in the normal way under our normal policies. simon case, who was cabinet secretary _ normal policies. simon case, who was cabinet secretary and _ normal policies. simon case, who was cabinet secretary and remains - cabinet secretary and remains cabinet — cabinet secretary and remains cabinet secretary, _ cabinet secretary and remains cabinet secretary, says - cabinet secretary and remains cabinet secretary, says in - cabinet secretary and remains cabinet secretary, says in hisl cabinet secretary, says in his statement _ cabinet secretary, says in his statement that— cabinet secretary, says in his statement that in _ cabinet secretary, says in his statement that in march - cabinet secretary, says in hisl statement that in march 2021, cabinet secretary, says in his i statement that in march 2021, a number— statement that in march 2021, a number 10 _ statement that in march 2021, a number 10 policy— statement that in march 2021, a number 10 policy on _ statement that in march 2021, a number 10 policy on whatsapps statement that in march 2021, a - number 10 policy on whatsapps was established — number 10 policy on whatsapps was established. do— number 10 policy on whatsapps was established. do you _ number 10 policy on whatsapps was established. do you recall— number 10 policy on whatsapps was established. do you recall anything i established. do you recall anything to do— established. do you recall anything to do with — established. do you recall anything to do with such _ established. do you recall anything to do with such a _ established. do you recall anything to do with such a policy? _ established. do you recall anything to do with such a policy? no, - established. do you recall anything to do with such a policy?— to do with such a policy? no, i don't. to do with such a policy? no, i don't- as _ to do with such a policy? no, i don't. as the _ to do with such a policy? no, i don't. as the principal - to do with such a policy? no, i don't. as the principal private | don't. as the principal private secretary. — don't. as the principal private secretary. is _ don't. as the principal private secretary, is that _ don't. as the principal private secretary, is that matter - don't. as the principal private secretary, is that matter with | don't. as the principal private - secretary, is that matter with which he would _ secretary, is that matter with which he would have _ secretary, is that matter with which he would have been _ secretary, is that matter with which he would have been concerned? - secretary, is that matter with which he would have been concerned? i. he would have been concerned? would have been aware of the he would have been concerned ?_ would have been aware of the policy statement, i'm sure, but i cannot the substance. i imagine our policy on whatsapps throughout this period was the same as our policy on other

material which was around retention of whatsapps or messages which are important for the decision—making process, but not the ephemeral side of things. process, but not the ephemeral side of thins. ., ,, , process, but not the ephemeral side of thins. ., i. , ., process, but not the ephemeral side ofthinas. ., , ., ., of things. could you “ust go a little bit slower, _ of things. could you just go a little bit slower, please, - of things. could you just go a little bit slower, please, mrl little bit slower, please, mr reynolds. _ little bit slower, please, mr reynolds, while _ little bit slower, please, mr reynolds, while you - little bit slower, please, mr reynolds, while you give i little bit slower, please, mr- reynolds, while you give evidence? it is reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard _ reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for— reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for us _ reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for us to— reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for us to keep _ reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for us to keep up - reynolds, while you give evidence? it is hard for us to keep up with- it is hard for us to keep up with the speed — it is hard for us to keep up with the speed of— it is hard for us to keep up with the speed of your— it is hard for us to keep up with the speed of your evidence. - it is hard for us to keep up with the speed of your evidence. sorry. you say there _ the speed of your evidence. sorry. you say there was _ the speed of your evidence. sorry. you say there was material- the speed of your evidence. sorry. | you say there was material related to decision—making _ you say there was material related to decision—making and _ you say there was material related to decision—making and whatsappl to decision—making and whatsapp material— to decision—making and whatsapp material relating _ to decision—making and whatsapp material relating to _ to decision—making and whatsapp material relating to more - to decision—making and whatsapp . material relating to more ephemeral matters _ material relating to more ephemeral matters what — material relating to more ephemeral matters. what do _ material relating to more ephemeral matters. what do you _ material relating to more ephemeral matters. what do you mean - material relating to more ephemeral matters. what do you mean by - material relating to more ephemeral| matters. what do you mean by that? material relating to more ephemeral. matters. what do you mean by that? i think matters. what do you mean by that? think in this period, i think there is a significant shift in the volume of whatsapps which were used for discussions reflecting the shift to remote working and the pace of some of the activities going on with people in different locations, and so certainly my experience was whatsapp became more extensive in its usage then certainly i had experienced previously. but

its usage then certainly i had experienced previously. but that is to do with the _ experienced previously. but that is to do with the volume. _ experienced previously. but that is to do with the volume. what - experienced previously. but that is to do with the volume. what is - experienced previously. but that is| to do with the volume. what is this distinction — to do with the volume. what is this distinction that— to do with the volume. what is this distinction that you _ to do with the volume. what is this distinction that you draw _ to do with the volume. what is this distinction that you draw between i distinction that you draw between whatsapps — distinction that you draw between whatsapps relating _ distinction that you draw between whatsapps relating to _ whatsapps relating to decision—making - whatsapps relating to decision—making and. whatsapps relating to - decision—making and more whatsapps relating to _ decision—making and more ephemeral whatsapps? _ decision—making and more ephemeral whatsapps? what— decision—making and more ephemeral whatsapps? what are _ decision—making and more ephemeral whatsapps? what are ephemeral- whatsapps? what are ephemeral whatsapps? _ whatsapps? what are ephemeral whatsapps? l— whatsapps? what are ephemeral whatsa s? ~ whatsapps? what are ephemeral whatsapps?— whatsapps? what are ephemeral whatsa s? ~ . ., , ., , whatsapps? i think certainly from my exerience whatsapps? i think certainly from my exoerience of— whatsapps? i think certainly from my experience of the _ whatsapps? i think certainly from my experience of the whatsapps - whatsapps? i think certainly from my experience of the whatsapps i - whatsapps? i think certainly from my experience of the whatsapps i have i experience of the whatsapps i have seen, the vast majority of those were of an ephemeral nature, and the decisions when they took place were taking place in the normal way and recorded in the normal way, and a lot of the whatsapps you are seeing, it seems to me, our exchanges which people could have been doing previously by telephone or in corridors or things like that, they are nowjust recorded in whatsapp, but are ephemeral in nature in the same way as if there was a conversation about a policy matter before people go into a substantive discussion in the corridor, where someone might say something to me or to others, we are not necessarily recording all of that because it is

ephemeral in nature. where the decision takes place in the process leading to that decision are recorded in a normal way. you are not recorded in a normal way. you are rrot suggesting. — recorded in a normal way. you are not suggesting, are _ recorded in a normal way. you are not suggesting, are you, - recorded in a normal way. you are not suggesting, are you, that - recorded in a normal way. you are not suggesting, are you, that the | not suggesting, are you, that the vast majority _ not suggesting, are you, that the vast majority of _ not suggesting, are you, that the vast majority of these _ not suggesting, are you, that the vast majority of these covid - not suggesting, are you, that the l vast majority of these covid related whatsapps — vast majority of these covid related whatsapps are _ vast majority of these covid related whatsapps are irrelevant? - vast majority of these covid related whatsapps are irrelevant? no, - vast majority of these covid related whatsapps are irrelevant? no, i. whatsapps are irrelevant? no, i think they are _ whatsapps are irrelevant? no, i think they are relevant - whatsapps are irrelevant? no, i think they are relevant to - whatsapps are irrelevant? no, i think they are relevant to the i whatsapps are irrelevant?- think they are relevant to the covid inquiry, but in terms of the decision—making process and the obligation on civil servants to record formal steps in the decision—making process, it is a bit different. why aren't they part of the decision—making process? why aren't they part of the decision-making process? because in any decision. — decision-making process? because in any decision, there _ decision-making process? because in any decision, there is _ decision-making process? because in any decision, there is all _ decision-making process? because in any decision, there is all sorts - decision-making process? because in any decision, there is all sorts of- any decision, there is all sorts of ephemeral discussions around a policy. not all of those discussions are recorded in full. even in the main meetings themselves. but. are recorded in full. even in the main meetings themselves. but, mr re nolds, main meetings themselves. but, mr reynolds. they _ main meetings themselves. but, mr reynolds, they are _ main meetings themselves. but, mr reynolds, they are all— main meetings themselves. but, mr reynolds, they are all relevant, - main meetings themselves. but, mr reynolds, they are all relevant, are | reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not. _ reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not. to — reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not. to the _ reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not, to the of _ reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not, to the of the _ reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not, to the of the sender- reynolds, they are all relevant, are they not, to the of the sender and i they not, to the of the sender and indirectly— they not, to the of the sender and indirectly the _ they not, to the of the sender and indirectly the recipient? _ they not, to the of the sender and indirectly the recipient? they- they not, to the of the sender and indirectly the recipient? they are i indirectly the recipient? they are all relevant — indirectly the recipient? they are all relevant to _ indirectly the recipient? they are all relevant to the _ indirectly the recipient? they are all relevant to the debate - indirectly the recipient? they are all relevant to the debate about. all relevant to the debate about covid _ all relevant to the debate about covid and — all relevant to the debate about covid and the _ all relevant to the debate about covid and the decisions - all relevant to the debate about covid and the decisions which . all relevant to the debate about. covid and the decisions which were then being — covid and the decisions which were then being taken, _ covid and the decisions which were then being taken, are _ covid and the decisions which were then being taken, are they- covid and the decisions which were

then being taken, are they not? i covid and the decisions which were . then being taken, are they not? that is correct, then being taken, are they not? that is correct. and _ then being taken, are they not? is correct, and that is why i retained all of my whatsapps, and i handed over my whatsapps to the inquiry in full. find handed over my whatsapps to the inquiry in full-— handed over my whatsapps to the inquiry in full. and that presumably was because _ inquiry in full. and that presumably was because you _ inquiry in full. and that presumably was because you are _ inquiry in full. and that presumably was because you are aware - inquiry in full. and that presumably was because you are aware from i inquiry in full. and that presumably was because you are aware from a| was because you are aware from a very early— was because you are aware from a very early stage _ was because you are aware from a very early stage that _ was because you are aware from a very early stage that your - was because you are aware from a i very early stage that your whatsapps would _ very early stage that your whatsapps would be _ very early stage that your whatsapps would be relevant _ very early stage that your whatsapps would be relevant to _ very early stage that your whatsapps would be relevant to any— very early stage that your whatsapps would be relevant to any inquiry- would be relevant to any inquiry that might — would be relevant to any inquiry that might thereafter— would be relevant to any inquiry that might thereafter take - would be relevant to any inquiryl that might thereafter take place, would be relevant to any inquiry- that might thereafter take place, as well as— that might thereafter take place, as well as to _ that might thereafter take place, as well as to perhaps _ that might thereafter take place, as well as to perhaps lessons - that might thereafter take place, as well as to perhaps lessons learned. well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises. — well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises. as— well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises, as well— well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises, as well as _ well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises, as well as providing - well as to perhaps lessons learned exercises, as well as providing a l exercises, as well as providing a contemporaneous _ exercises, as well as providing a| contemporaneous understanding exercises, as well as providing a i contemporaneous understanding of exercises, as well as providing a - contemporaneous understanding of the thinking _ contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of— contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of the — contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of the persons _ contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of the persons who _ contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of the persons who sent - contemporaneous understanding of the thinking of the persons who sent and l thinking of the persons who sent and received _ thinking of the persons who sent and received whatsapps? _ thinking of the persons who sent and received whatsapps?— thinking of the persons who sent and received whatsapps?- yes. i received whatsapps? correct. yes. you were aware, _ received whatsapps? correct. yes. you were aware, were _ received whatsapps? correct. yes. you were aware, were you - received whatsapps? correct. yes. you were aware, were you not, - received whatsapps? correct. yes. | you were aware, were you not, that the whatsapps — you were aware, were you not, that the whatsapps from _ you were aware, were you not, that the whatsapps from the _ you were aware, were you not, that the whatsapps from the core - you were aware, were you not, that l the whatsapps from the core decision makers _ the whatsapps from the core decision makers and _ the whatsapps from the core decision makers and advisers _ the whatsapps from the core decision makers and advisers would _ the whatsapps from the core decision makers and advisers would all - the whatsapps from the core decisionl makers and advisers would all become relevant _ makers and advisers would all become relevant in _ makers and advisers would all become relevant in due — makers and advisers would all become relevant in due course. _ makers and advisers would all become relevant in due course. yes. _ makers and advisers would all become relevant in due course. yes. could - relevant in due course. yes. could we have 265619, _ relevant in due course. could we have 265619, page 68, relevant in due course.“ could we have 265619, page 68, please.

this is— we have 265619, page 68, please. this is a _ we have 265619, page 68, please. this is a whatsapp _ we have 265619, page 68, please. this is a whatsapp message - we have 265619, page 68, please. i this is a whatsapp message between yourself— this is a whatsapp message between yourself and — this is a whatsapp message between yourself and simon _ this is a whatsapp message between yourself and simon case, _ this is a whatsapp message between yourself and simon case, the - this is a whatsapp message between yourself and simon case, the cabineti yourself and simon case, the cabinet secretary. _ yourself and simon case, the cabinet secretary. in — yourself and simon case, the cabinet secretary, in december— yourself and simon case, the cabinet secretary, in december 2021. - yourself and simon case, the cabinet secretary, in december 2021. so, - secretary, in december2021. so, later— secretary, in december2021. so, laterthis— secretary, in december2021. so, later this year. _ secretary, in december2021. so, later this year. after— secretary, in december2021. so, later this year. after a _ secretary, in december2021. so, later this year. after a debate - later this year. after a debate about— later this year. after a debate about the _ later this year. after a debate about the general— later this year. after a debate about the general mood - later this year. after a debate about the general mood and i later this year. after a debate i about the general mood and the later this year. after a debate - about the general mood and the way in which _ about the general mood and the way in which matters _ about the general mood and the way in which matters are _ about the general mood and the way in which matters are progressing, i in which matters are progressing, particularly — in which matters are progressing, particularly on _ in which matters are progressing, particularly on the _ in which matters are progressing, particularly on the omicron - in which matters are progressing, particularly on the omicron front, i particularly on the omicron front, because _ particularly on the omicron front, because this _ particularly on the omicron front, because this is _ particularly on the omicron front, because this is december- particularly on the omicron front, because this is december 2021, l because this is december 2021, towards — because this is december 2021, towards the _ because this is december 2021, towards the bottom _ because this is december 2021, towards the bottom of- because this is december 2021, towards the bottom of the - because this is december 2021, i towards the bottom of the page, simon _ towards the bottom of the page, simon case _ towards the bottom of the page, simon case says, _ towards the bottom of the page, simon case says, pm _ towards the bottom of the page, simon case says, pm is - towards the bottom of the page, simon case says, pm is mad - towards the bottom of the page, simon case says, pm is mad if. towards the bottom of the page, i simon case says, pm is mad if he doesn't _ simon case says, pm is mad if he doesn't think— simon case says, pm is mad if he doesn't think is _ simon case says, pm is mad if he doesn't think is whatsapps - simon case says, pm is mad if he doesn't think is whatsapps will i doesn't think is whatsapps will become — doesn't think is whatsapps will become public— doesn't think is whatsapps will become public via _ doesn't think is whatsapps will become public via covid - doesn't think is whatsapps willl become public via covid inquiry, doesn't think is whatsapps will - become public via covid inquiry, but he was _ become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly — become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly not _ become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly not in _ become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly not in the _ become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly not in the mood - become public via covid inquiry, but he was clearly not in the mood for. he was clearly not in the mood for that discussion _ he was clearly not in the mood for that discussion tonight. _ he was clearly not in the mood for that discussion tonight. we - he was clearly not in the mood for that discussion tonight. we will i that discussion tonight. we will have _ that discussion tonight. we will have that — that discussion tonight. we will have that battle _ that discussion tonight. we will have that battle in _ that discussion tonight. we will have that battle in the - that discussion tonight. we will have that battle in the new- that discussion tonight. we will i have that battle in the new year. martin _ have that battle in the new year. martin reynolds, _ have that battle in the new year. martin reynolds, that— have that battle in the new year. martin reynolds, that is- have that battle in the new year. martin reynolds, that is of- have that battle in the new year. | martin reynolds, that is of course you. _ martin reynolds, that is of course you. agree — martin reynolds, that is of course you, agree. thanks _ martin reynolds, that is of course you, agree. thanks for— martin reynolds, that is of course you, agree. thanks for your- martin reynolds, that is of course you, agree. thanks for your help. | you, agree. thanks for your help. what _ you, agree. thanks for your help. what was — you, agree. thanks for your help. what was the _ you, agree. thanks for your help. what was the battle _ you, agree. thanks for your help. what was the battle about, mr i what was the battle about, mr reynolds? _ what was the battle about, mr reynolds? l— what was the battle about, mr re nolds? ., what was the battle about, mr reynolds?— what was the battle about, mr re nolds? ., , reynolds? i cannot recall, buti imaaine reynolds? i cannot recall, buti imagine that — reynolds? i cannot recall, buti imagine that the _ reynolds? i cannot recall, buti imagine that the prime - reynolds? i cannot recall, but i. imagine that the prime minister, reynolds? i cannot recall, but i - imagine that the prime minister, and i can only speculate, but i imagine

he hadn't realised that all of his whatsapps would become public via the covid inquiry.— the covid inquiry. because of course, the covid inquiry. because of course. is — the covid inquiry. because of course, is that _ the covid inquiry. because of course, is that then - the covid inquiry. because of course, is that then prime i the covid inquiry. because of - course, is that then prime minister, his whatsapps — course, is that then prime minister, his whatsapps would _ course, is that then prime minister, his whatsapps would form - course, is that then prime minister, his whatsapps would form a - course, is that then prime minister, his whatsapps would form a vital i his whatsapps would form a vital part of— his whatsapps would form a vital part of a — his whatsapps would form a vital part of a full. _ his whatsapps would form a vital part of a full, transparent - part of a full, transparent examination _ part of a full, transparent examination of— part of a full, transparent examination of the - part of a full, transparent _ examination of the decision—making at the _ examination of the decision—making at the time — examination of the decision-making at the time. . examination of the decision—making at the time. yes. as _ examination of the decision—making at the time. yes. as yours - examination of the decision—making at the time. yes. as yours would. i at the time. yes. as yours would. yes. at the time. yes. as yours would. yes- when _ at the time. yes. as yours would. yes- when is _ at the time. yes. as yours would. yes. when is it _ at the time. yes. as yours would. yes. when is it first _ at the time. yes. as yours would. yes. when is it first understood i at the time. yes. as yours would. | yes. when is it first understood in number 10 _ yes. when is it first understood in number 10 downing _ yes. when is it first understood in number 10 downing street - yes. when is it first understood in number 10 downing street that i yes. when is it first understood in i number 10 downing street that there itii-ht number 10 downing street that there might be _ number 10 downing street that there might be a _ number 10 downing street that there might be a public— number 10 downing street that there might be a public inquiry? _ number 10 downing street that there might be a public inquiry? i’m“ - might be a public inquiry? i'm afraid i cannot _ might be a public inquiry? afraid i cannot recall. but i might be a public inquiry?“ afraid i cannot recall. but i think in certainly the early stages, i and others were not thinking in those terms. certainly in the very pressured period of early 2020, i don't think i was really reflecting on whether they would be a public inquiry, i was much more focused on dealing with the day—to—day challenges at that time, so i would have thought it would be after that, but how far after, i cannot comment. you will know from the disclosure,

mr reynolds. _ you will know from the disclosure, mr reynolds, that's _ you will know from the disclosure, mr reynolds, that's a _ you will know from the disclosure, mr reynolds, that's a patrick - mr reynolds, that's a patrick vallance _ mr reynolds, that's a patrick vallance possum _ mr reynolds, that's a patrick vallance possum evening - mr reynolds, that's a patrick . vallance possum evening notes, mr reynolds, that's a patrick - vallance possum evening notes, his diaries. _ vallance possum evening notes, his diaries. as _ vallance possum evening notes, his diaries. as well— vallance possum evening notes, his diaries, as well as _ vallance possum evening notes, his diaries, as well as some _ vallance possum evening notes, his diaries, as well as some other- diaries, as well as some other notebooks— diaries, as well as some other notebooks and _ diaries, as well as some other notebooks and e—mails - diaries, as well as some other notebooks and e—mails close i diaries, as well as some other. notebooks and e—mails close to diaries, as well as some other- notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry— notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry show— notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry show that _ notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry show that the _ notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry show that the notion - notebooks and e—mails close to the inquiry show that the notion of - inquiry show that the notion of there — inquiry show that the notion of there being _ inquiry show that the notion of there being a _ inquiry show that the notion of there being a public— inquiry show that the notion of there being a public inquiry- inquiry show that the notion ofl there being a public inquiry first appeared — there being a public inquiry first appeared in— there being a public inquiry first appeared in the _ there being a public inquiry first appeared in the general- there being a public inquiry first. appeared in the general discourse around _ appeared in the general discourse around about _ appeared in the general discourse around about the _ appeared in the general discourse around about the end _ appeared in the general discourse around about the end of- appeared in the general discourse around about the end of 2020, i appeared in the general discourse around about the end of 2020, in| appeared in the general discourse . around about the end of 2020, in the beginning _ around about the end of 2020, in the beginning of— around about the end of 2020, in the beginning of 2021. _ around about the end of 2020, in the beginning of 2021. does _ around about the end of 2020, in the beginning of 2021. does that - around about the end of 2020, in the beginning of 2021. does that sound i beginning of 2021. does that sound i’ilht beginning of 2021. does that sound right to _ beginning of 2021. does that sound right to you? — beginning of 2021. does that sound right to you?— right to you? that sounds entirely lausible. right to you? that sounds entirely plausible- we _ right to you? that sounds entirely plausible. we have _ right to you? that sounds entirely plausible. we have already - right to you? that sounds entirely plausible. we have already seen i right to you? that sounds entirely. plausible. we have already seen an ent in plausible. we have already seen an entry in the — plausible. we have already seen an entry in the notes _ plausible. we have already seen an entry in the notes of— plausible. we have already seen an entry in the notes of sir— plausible. we have already seen an entry in the notes of sir patrick - entry in the notes of sir patrick vallance — entry in the notes of sir patrick vallance in— entry in the notes of sir patrick vallance in which _ entry in the notes of sir patrick vallance in which he _ entry in the notes of sir patrick vallance in which he records. entry in the notes of sir patrickl vallance in which he records the cabinet — vallance in which he records the cabinet secretary, _ vallance in which he records the cabinet secretary, simon - vallance in which he records the cabinet secretary, simon case, | cabinet secretary, simon case, saying — cabinet secretary, simon case, saying that _ cabinet secretary, simon case, saying that any _ cabinet secretary, simon case, saying that any inquiry - cabinet secretary, simon case, saying that any inquiry should i cabinet secretary, simon case, i saying that any inquiry should go cabinet secretary, simon case, - saying that any inquiry should go on for a decade — saying that any inquiry should go on for a decade or— saying that any inquiry should go on for a decade or more _ saying that any inquiry should go on for a decade or more with _ saying that any inquiry should go on for a decade or more with someone| for a decade or more with someone like savile — for a decade or more with someone like savile to— for a decade or more with someone like savile to chair— for a decade or more with someone like savile to chair it. _ for a decade or more with someone like savile to chair it. that - for a decade or more with someone like savile to chair it. that was - for a decade or more with someone like savile to chair it. that was in i like savile to chair it. that was in december— like savile to chair it. that was in december 2020. _ like savile to chair it. that was in december 2020. did _ like savile to chair it. that was in december 2020. did you - like savile to chair it. that was in december 2020. did you take . like savile to chair it. that was in. december 2020. did you take part like savile to chair it. that was in - december 2020. did you take part in any debate _ december 2020. did you take part in any debate about _ december 2020. did you take part in any debate about the _ december 2020. did you take part in any debate about the nature - december 2020. did you take part in any debate about the nature or- december 2020. did you take part in any debate about the nature or the i any debate about the nature or the extent _ any debate about the nature or the extent of— any debate about the nature or the extent of the — any debate about the nature or the extent of the time _ any debate about the nature or the extent of the time of— any debate about the nature or the extent of the time of an _ any debate about the nature or the extent of the time of an inquiry? ii extent of the time of an inquiry? i was extent of the time of an inquiry? was involved in the discussions which the prime minister had about the nature of an inquiry, but i

cannot i don't think comment on that particular exchange. that cannot i don't think comment on that particular exchange.— particular exchange. that then prime minister made _ particular exchange. that then prime minister made an _ particular exchange. that then prime minister made an announcement - particular exchange. that then prime minister made an announcement to i minister made an announcement to parliament— minister made an announcement to parliament on — minister made an announcement to parliament on the _ minister made an announcement to parliament on the 12th _ minister made an announcement to parliament on the 12th of— minister made an announcement to parliament on the 12th of may- minister made an announcement to| parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could _ parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we _ parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we have — parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we have that _ parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we have that please - parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we have that please come - parliament on the 12th of may 2021. could we have that please come onl could we have that please come on the screen. — could we have that please come on the screen. 273904. _ and then to the second page, please. mr speaker, with permission i will update _ mr speaker, with permission i will update the — mr speaker, with permission i will update the house _ mr speaker, with permission i will update the house now _ mr speaker, with permission i will update the house now in - mr speaker, with permission i will update the house now in response mr speaker, with permission i will. update the house now in response to covid... _ update the house now in response to covid... and — update the house now in response to covid... and then— update the house now in response to covid... and then if— update the house now in response to covid... and then if you _ update the house now in response to covid... and then if you could - covid... and then if you could scroll — covid... and then if you could scroll through, _ covid... and then if you could scroll through, please, - covid... and then if you could scroll through, please, to - covid... and then if you could scroll through, please, to the covid... and then if you could - scroll through, please, to the next page _ scroll through, please, to the next page the — scroll through, please, to the next page the state _ scroll through, please, to the next page. the state has _ scroll through, please, to the next page. the state has an— scroll through, please, to the next page. the state has an obligation. scroll through, please, to the next. page. the state has an obligation to examine _ page. the state has an obligation to examine its — page. the state has an obligation to examine its actions _ page. the state has an obligation to examine its actions as _ page. the state has an obligation to examine its actions as rigorously . examine its actions as rigorously and candidly— examine its actions as rigorously and candidly as _ examine its actions as rigorously and candidly as possible - examine its actions as rigorously and candidly as possible and - examine its actions as rigorously and candidly as possible and to i and candidly as possible and to learn _ and candidly as possible and to learn every— and candidly as possible and to learn every lesson— and candidly as possible and to learn every lesson for- and candidly as possible and to learn every lesson for the - and candidly as possible and to i learn every lesson for the future, which _ learn every lesson for the future, which is — learn every lesson for the future, which is why— learn every lesson for the future, which is why i_ learn every lesson for the future, which is why i have _ learn every lesson for the future, which is why i have always - learn every lesson for the future, which is why i have always said i learn every lesson for the future, i which is why i have always said that when _ which is why i have always said that when the _ which is why i have always said that when the time _ which is why i have always said that when the time is _ which is why i have always said that when the time is right, _ which is why i have always said that when the time is right, there - which is why i have always said that| when the time is right, there should be a full— when the time is right, there should be a full and — when the time is right, there should be a full and independent _ when the time is right, there should be a full and independent inquiry. i be a full and independent inquiry. and he _ be a full and independent inquiry. and he announces, _ be a full and independent inquiry. and he announces, does - be a full and independent inquiry. and he announces, does he - be a full and independent inquiry. and he announces, does he not, i and he announces, does he not, therefore — and he announces, does he not, therefore the _ and he announces, does he not, therefore the institution - and he announces, does he not, therefore the institution of - and he announces, does he not,

therefore the institution of that. therefore the institution of that inquiry. — therefore the institution of that inquiry. and _ therefore the institution of that inquiry, and further— therefore the institution of that inquiry, and further down - therefore the institution of that inquiry, and further down the l therefore the institution of that - inquiry, and further down the page, a reference — inquiry, and further down the page, a reference to — inquiry, and further down the page, a reference to consulting _ inquiry, and further down the page, a reference to consulting the - a reference to consulting the devolved _ a reference to consulting the devolved administrations. i a reference to consulting the i devolved administrations. and a reference to consulting the - devolved administrations. and then over one _ devolved administrations. and then over one more _ devolved administrations. and then over one more page, _ devolved administrations. and then over one more page, please. - he refers to the exercise of identifying _ he refers to the exercise of identifying and _ he refers to the exercise of identifying and disclosing i he refers to the exercise ofl identifying and disclosing all relevant _ identifying and disclosing all relevant information, - identifying and disclosing all relevant information, the i identifying and disclosing all- relevant information, the burden that that — relevant information, the burden that that will _ relevant information, the burden that that will place _ relevant information, the burden that that will place on _ relevant information, the burden that that will place on the - that that will place on the participants, _ that that will place on the participants, and - that that will place on the participants, and then- that that will place on the - participants, and then further down the page _ participants, and then further down the page and — participants, and then further down the page and over— participants, and then further down the page and over the _ participants, and then further down the page and over the page, - participants, and then further down the page and over the page, he - participants, and then further down. the page and over the page, he says this. in— the page and over the page, he says this. in the _ the page and over the page, he says this. in the bottom _ the page and over the page, he says this. in the bottom six _ the page and over the page, he says this. in the bottom six entries. - this. in the bottom six entries. this— this. in the bottom six entries. this inquiry— this. in the bottom six entries. this inquiry must— this. in the bottom six entries. this inquiry must be _ this. in the bottom six entries. this inquiry must be able - this. in the bottom six entries. this inquiry must be able to i this. in the bottom six entries. i this inquiry must be able to look this. in the bottom six entries. - this inquiry must be able to look at the events— this inquiry must be able to look at the events of— this inquiry must be able to look at the events of the _ this inquiry must be able to look at the events of the last _ this inquiry must be able to look at the events of the last year - this inquiry must be able to look at the events of the last year in - this inquiry must be able to look at the events of the last year in the i the events of the last year in the cold light— the events of the last year in the cold light of— the events of the last year in the cold light of day, _ the events of the last year in the cold light of day, and _ the events of the last year in the cold light of day, and identify- the events of the last year in the | cold light of day, and identify the key issues — cold light of day, and identify the key issues that _ cold light of day, and identify the key issues that will— cold light of day, and identify the key issues that will make - cold light of day, and identify the key issues that will make a - key issues that will make a difference _ key issues that will make a difference for— key issues that will make a difference for the - key issues that will make a difference for the future. i key issues that will make a i difference for the future. free key issues that will make a - difference for the future. free to scrutinise — difference for the future. free to scrutinise every _ difference for the future. free to scrutinise every document. - difference for the future. free to scrutinise every document. as i difference for the future. free to. scrutinise every document. as the principal— scrutinise every document. as the

principal private _ scrutinise every document. as the principal private secretary, - principal private secretary, presumably _ principal private secretary, presumably you _ principal private secretary, presumably you had - principal private secretary, presumably you had a - principal private secretary, | presumably you had a hand principal private secretary, i presumably you had a hand in advising — presumably you had a hand in advising the _ presumably you had a hand in advising the prime _ presumably you had a hand in advising the prime minister. presumably you had a hand in advising the prime minister in presumably you had a hand in i advising the prime minister in a system — advising the prime minister in a system under— advising the prime minister in a system under process - advising the prime minister in a system under process by- advising the prime minister in a system under process by whichl advising the prime minister in a i system under process by which the prime _ system under process by which the prime minister— system under process by which the prime minister decided _ system under process by which the prime minister decided that- system under process by which the prime minister decided that they . prime minister decided that they would _ prime minister decided that they would be — prime minister decided that they would be a — prime minister decided that they would be a public— prime minister decided that they would be a public inquiry- prime minister decided that they would be a public inquiry and - prime minister decided that theyi would be a public inquiry and that it would _ would be a public inquiry and that it would be — would be a public inquiry and that it would be announced _ would be a public inquiry and that it would be announced to - would be a public inquiry and that- it would be announced to parliament. do you _ it would be announced to parliament. do you recall — it would be announced to parliament. do you recall that _ it would be announced to parliament. do you recall that process, _ it would be announced to parliament. do you recall that process, mr- do you recall that process, mr reynolds? _ do you recall that process, mr reynolds? l— do you recall that process, mr reynolds?— do you recall that process, mr re nolds? ~ , ,, reynolds? i think the process was actually on _ reynolds? i think the process was actually on the — reynolds? i think the process was actually on the basis _ reynolds? i think the process was actually on the basis of _ reynolds? i think the process was actually on the basis of advice - reynolds? i think the process was. actually on the basis of advice from the cabinet office, the discussion with the cabinet office team, so i was present for that discussion and may well have been present for elements of that discussion, but i was not responsible for the advice and the process through which it came to that conclusion. you knew, did ou came to that conclusion. you knew, did you not. — came to that conclusion. you knew, did you not, that _ came to that conclusion. you knew, did you not, that the _ came to that conclusion. you knew, did you not, that the prime - came to that conclusion. you knew, i did you not, that the prime minister was considering _ did you not, that the prime minister was considering instituting - did you not, that the prime minister was considering instituting a - did you not, that the prime minister was considering instituting a publicl was considering instituting a public inquiry, _ was considering instituting a public inquiry, and — was considering instituting a public inquiry, and that_ was considering instituting a public inquiry, and that that _ was considering instituting a public inquiry, and that that would - was considering instituting a public inquiry, and that that would be - inquiry, and that that would be announced _ inquiry, and that that would be announced to _ inquiry, and that that would be announced to parliament? - inquiry, and that that would be | announced to parliament? yes. inquiry, and that that would be - announced to parliament? yes. and presumably. — announced to parliament? yes. and presumably. that — announced to parliament? and presumably, that process by announced to parliament?“ and presumably, that process by which. presumably, that process by which the announcement _ presumably, that process by which the announcement was _ presumably, that process by which the announcement was drafted - presumably, that process by which| the announcement was drafted and presumably, that process by which . the announcement was drafted and by which _ the announcement was drafted and by which the _ the announcement was drafted and by which the decision _ the announcement was drafted and by which the decision was _ the announcement was drafted and by which the decision was made - the announcement was drafted and by which the decision was made to - the announcement was drafted and by which the decision was made to have. which the decision was made to have a public— which the decision was made to have a public inquiry— which the decision was made to have a public inquiry took _ which the decision was made to have a public inquiry took matter- which the decision was made to have a public inquiry took matter of- a public inquiry took matter of weeks — a public inquiry took matter of

weeks. presumably— a public inquiry took matter of weeks. presumably these - a public inquiry took matter of- weeks. presumably these decisions aren't— weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust — weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust made _ weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust made on _ weeks. presumably these decisions aren't just made on the _ weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust made on the spot? - weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust made on the spot? it. weeks. presumably these decisions aren'tjust made on the spot? it was robabl aren'tjust made on the spot? it was probably longer— aren'tjust made on the spot? it was probably longer than _ aren'tjust made on the spot? it was probably longer than weeks. - aren'tjust made on the spot? it was probably longer than weeks. so - aren'tjust made on the spot? it was probably longer than weeks. so at i probably longer than weeks. so at least before _ probably longer than weeks. so at least before april _ probably longer than weeks. so at least before april of _ probably longer than weeks. so at least before april of that - probably longer than weeks. so at least before april of that year, if this was— least before april of that year, if this was may— least before april of that year, if this was may 2021, _ least before april of that year, if this was may 2021, at _ least before april of that year, if this was may 2021, at least - least before april of that year, if this was may 2021, at least a - least before april of that year, if- this was may 2021, at least a month? yes this was may 2021, at least a month? ye , , you this was may 2021, at least a month? yes area: you were _ this was may 2021, at least a month? yes yes. you were party— this was may 2021, at least a month? yes yes. you were party to _ this was may 2021, at least a month? yes yes. you were party to a - yes yes. you were party to a whatsapp — yes yes. you were party to a whatsapp group _ yes“ you were party to a whatsapp group called - yes“ you were party to a whatsapp group called pm l yes“ you were party to a - whatsapp group called pm updates, where _ whatsapp group called pm updates, where you _ whatsapp group called pm updates, where you not? _ whatsapp group called pm updates, where you not?_ whatsapp group called pm updates, where you not? yes. could - whatsapp group called pm updates, where you not? yes. could we - whatsapp group called pm updates, where you not? yes. could we have| where you not? yes. could we have 265361? pm — where you not?“ could we have 265361? pm updates _ where you not?“ could we have 265361? pm updates from - where you not?“ could we have 265361? pm updates from martin. 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's — 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's phone. _ 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's phone. it— 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's phone. it is— 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's phone. it is a - 265361? pm updates from martin reynolds's phone. it is a group. 265361? pm updates from martin. reynolds's phone. it is a group that was formed — reynolds's phone. it is a group that was formed on _ reynolds's phone. it is a group that was formed on the _ reynolds's phone. it is a group that was formed on the 16th _ reynolds's phone. it is a group that was formed on the 16th of - reynolds's phone. it is a group that. was formed on the 16th of november 2020. _ was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was _ was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was it— was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was it not? _ was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was it not?_ was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was it not? yes. you - was formed on the 16th of november 2020, was it not? yes. you created. 2020, was it not? yes. you created u-rou 2020, was it not? yes. you created a-rou pm 2020, was it not? you created group pm updates. is 2020, was it not?“ you created group pm updates. is you _ 2020, was it not?“ you created group pm updates. is you martin i group pm updates. is you martin reynolds? — group pm updates. is you martin reynolds? lt— group pm updates. is you martin re nolds? , , , group pm updates. is you martin reynolds?_ at i group pm updates. is you martin . reynolds?_ at 2017 reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day. — reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day. you _ reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day, you said _ reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day, you said i _ reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day, you said i have - reynolds? it is indeed, yes. at 2017 on that day, you said i have created| on that day, you said i have created a new _ on that day, you said i have created a new group—

on that day, you said i have created a new group centred _ on that day, you said i have created a new group centred on— on that day, you said i have created a new group centred on the - on that day, you said i have created a new group centred on the office . on that day, you said i have created| a new group centred on the office to focus _ a new group centred on the office to focus on _ a new group centred on the office to focus on updates. _ a new group centred on the office to focus on updates. diane _ a new group centred on the office to focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry— focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry cooke. — focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry cooke. all— focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry cooke, all of _ focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry cooke, all of the _ focus on updates. diane rosenfield, henry cooke, all of the prime - henry cooke, all of the prime minister's _ henry cooke, all of the prime minister's closest _ henry cooke, all of the prime minister's closest advisers. . this was, no doubt, a hugely important _ this was, no doubt, a hugely important whatsapp - this was, no doubt, a hugely important whatsapp group. i this was, no doubt, a hugelyi important whatsapp group. if this was, no doubt, a hugely. important whatsapp group. [fl this was, no doubt, a hugely important whatsapp group. if i can exlain the important whatsapp group. if i can explain the pm _ important whatsapp group. if i can explain the pm updates _ important whatsapp group. if i can explain the pm updates system, i important whatsapp group. if i can l explain the pm updates system, that might give you a better sense of actually its importance, which is that we had throughout most of this time a system of updating, of giving the prime minister updates on factual developments, on quick decisions he might need to be taken, and that was done initially in paper copy. the pm updates a group essentially translated that paper copy into whatsapp, but it remained, unlike almost any other whatsapp

group, basically on e—mail and hard c°pyr group, basically on e—mail and hard copy, so what you had was as it were parallel structures where what i would do is, i was sent an e—mail with the updates for the day on, i would put it onto a whatsapp, and send it to the prime minister, and then i would take it back from the prime minister and send an e—mail out with his record on it, and so unlike the other whatsapp groups that we will no doubt want to talk about, it was actually a mechanistic way of delivering to the prime minister unclassified material which he could look at, as it were, at an appropriate time each evening, and it was done on a daily basis. but actually, the chain of record keeping was all done through e—mail or hard copy and back out again, so essentially what you are seeing here is the central bit in a process where something goes to the prime minister by whatsapp and is sent back again, and so what i was doing there was as it were acting as a way

of transmitting that to the pro—minister. but in terms of the substance of the decisions, some were fairly low level, and some were quite mechanistic as they could be questions about who he wanted to see or things like that. you questions about who he wanted to see or things like that.— or things like that. you are not suggesting _ or things like that. you are not suggesting that _ or things like that. you are not suggesting that this _ or things like that. you are not suggesting that this whatsapp| or things like that. you are not - suggesting that this whatsapp group was anything — suggesting that this whatsapp group was anything other— suggesting that this whatsapp group was anything other than _ suggesting that this whatsapp group was anything other than highly - was anything other than highly relevant — was anything other than highly relevant to— was anything other than highly relevant to the _ was anything other than highly relevant to the information - was anything other than highlyl relevant to the information that was anything other than highly - relevant to the information that the pro-minister— relevant to the information that the pro—minister was _ relevant to the information that the pro—minister was receiving? - relevant to the information that the pro—minister was receiving? —— - relevant to the information that the pro—minister was receiving? —— the| pro—minister was receiving? —— the prime _ pro—minister was receiving? —— the prime minister— pro—minister was receiving? —— the prime minister was _ pro—minister was receiving? —— the prime minister was receiving? - pro—minister was receiving? —— the prime minister was receiving? it. prime minister was receiving? it deals— prime minister was receiving? it deals with — prime minister was receiving? it deals with matters _ prime minister was receiving? it deals with matters such - prime minister was receiving? it deals with matters such as - prime minister was receiving? it deals with matters such as the i prime minister was receiving? it- deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, _ deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, how— deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, how the _ deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, how the dhs _ deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, how the dhs he - deals with matters such as the covid pandemic, how the dhs he would i pandemic, how the dhs he would respond. — pandemic, how the dhs he would respond, cabinet _ pandemic, how the dhs he would respond, cabinet affairs. - pandemic, how the dhs he would respond, cabinet affairs. you - pandemic, how the dhs he would respond, cabinet affairs. you can| respond, cabinet affairs. you can see from — respond, cabinet affairs. you can see from this _ respond, cabinet affairs. you can see from this page, _ respond, cabinet affairs. you can see from this page, shielding - see from this page, shielding clinically— see from this page, shielding clinically extremely— see from this page, shieldingi clinically extremely vulnerable see from this page, shielding - clinically extremely vulnerable mps. this was— clinically extremely vulnerable mps. this was hugely— clinically extremely vulnerable mps. this was hugely important _ this was hugely important information. _ this was hugely important information. you - this was hugely important information. you are - this was hugely important. information. you are telling this was hugely important - information. you are telling the pro-minister— information. you are telling the pro—minister daily, _ information. you are telling the pro—minister daily, hourly, - information. you are telling the pro—minister daily, hourly, by. pro—minister daily, hourly, by minute, — pro—minister daily, hourly, by minute, information- pro—minister daily, hourly, by minute, information he - pro—minister daily, hourly, by. minute, information he needed pro—minister daily, hourly, by- minute, information he needed to know? _ minute, information he needed to know? ., .

minute, information he needed to know?- and _ minute, information he needed to know?- and you _ minute, information he needed to know?- and you are - minute, information he needed to know?- and you are not i know? correct. and you are not suggesting _ know? correct. and you are not suggesting it — know? correct. and you are not suggesting it replicated - know? correct. and you are not suggesting it replicated exactly| suggesting it replicated exactly other— suggesting it replicated exactly other written _ suggesting it replicated exactly other written material- suggesting it replicated exactly other written material or - suggesting it replicated exactly| other written material or notes? suggesting it replicated exactly- other written material or notes? you wouldn't _ other written material or notes? you wouldn't surely — other written material or notes? you wouldn't surely have _ other written material or notes? you wouldn't surely have just _ other written material or notes? you wouldn't surely have just been - wouldn't surely have just been replicating _ wouldn't surely have just been replicating word _ wouldn't surely have just been replicating word for— wouldn't surely have just been replicating word for word - wouldn't surely have just been - replicating word for word everything that was— replicating word for word everything that was being — replicating word for word everything that was being sent _ replicating word for word everything that was being sent by— replicating word for word everything that was being sent by e—mail? - replicating word for word everything that was being sent by e—mail? i. replicating word for word everything i that was being sent by e—mail? [was that was being sent by e-mail? i was takin: that was being sent by e-mail? i was taking responses _ that was being sent by e-mail? i was taking responses from _ that was being sent by e-mail? i was taking responses from the _ that was being sent by e—mail? taking responses from the prime minister which were short and to relate back into e—mail back out to a wider circulation list. there is e—mail in this whatsapp group. it e—mail in this whatsapp group. it isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the _ isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the prime — isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the prime minister— isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the prime minister or— isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the prime minister or e—mails, . isn't elsewhere to be found in notes to the prime minister or e—mails, is there? _ to the prime minister or e—mails, is there? i— to the prime minister or e-mails, is there? ., , , , to the prime minister or e-mails, is there? . , , , _ ., there? i am surprised by that. if ou there? i am surprised by that. if you checked _ there? i am surprised by that. if you checked the _ there? i am surprised by that. if you checked the number- there? i am surprised by that. if you checked the number 10 - there? i am surprised by that. if. you checked the number 10 record, you checked the number 10 record, you would find that there are e—mails coming in and out since, as i say, the prime minister's whatsapp to all delivered to me by e—mail, and i sent it to the prime minister and i sent it to the prime minister and then back again. the

and i sent it to the prime minister and then back again.— and then back again. the general toics and then back again. the general topics were _ and then back again. the general topics were of — and then back again. the general topics were of course _ and then back again. the general topics were of course consulted l and then back again. the general| topics were of course consulted in the e-mail. — topics were of course consulted in the e-mail. but— topics were of course consulted in the e—mail, but the _ topics were of course consulted in the e—mail, but the detail- topics were of course consulted in the e—mail, but the detail was - topics were of course consulted in| the e—mail, but the detail was not replicated — the e—mail, but the detail was not replicated elsewhere. _ the e—mail, but the detail was not replicated elsewhere. you - the e—mail, but the detail was not replicated elsewhere. you weren't cutting _ replicated elsewhere. you weren't cutting and — replicated elsewhere. you weren't cutting and pasting _ replicated elsewhere. you weren't cutting and pasting other- replicated elsewhere. you weren't . cutting and pasting other documents into this _ cutting and pasting other documents into this whatsapp _ cutting and pasting other documents into this whatsapp group, _ cutting and pasting other documents into this whatsapp group, where - cutting and pasting other documents i into this whatsapp group, where you? i was, _ into this whatsapp group, where you? iwas, yes~ _ into this whatsapp group, where you? iwas, yes in— into this whatsapp group, where you? i was, es. , into this whatsapp group, where you? i was. yes-_ yes- - i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. and i i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. and i was— i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. and i was then _ i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. and i was then responding - i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. and i was then responding by - i was, yes. in their entirety? yes. - and i was then responding by e-mail, and i was then responding by e—mail, and that is why it is different from the other whatsapp groups i am in. so you can see, i am not typing these texts into the whatsapp itself. i am literally receiving it onto my phone, cutting and pasting it, sending it to the prime minister and then taking his response and sending it out again. why would you need to cut—and—paste everything _ why would you need to cut—and—paste everything from — why would you need to cut—and—paste everything from an _ why would you need to cut—and—paste everything from an e—mail_ why would you need to cut—and—paste everything from an e—mail into- why would you need to cut—and—paste everything from an e—mail into a - everything from an e—mail into a separate — everything from an e—mail into a separate whatsapp _ everything from an e—mail into a separate whatsapp group? - everything from an e—mail into a separate whatsapp group? in i everything from an e—mail into a separate whatsapp group? in el everything from an e-mail into a separate whatsapp group? in a sense, it is something — separate whatsapp group? in a sense, it is something that _ separate whatsapp group? in a sense, it is something that i _ separate whatsapp group? in a sense, it is something that i introduced - it is something that i introduced with philip hammond. it is a way of distilling paperwork to a minister, reducing and boiling it down in a way which means it is readily comprehensible, so rather than lots

of separate returns or whatever, you distill it into one document, normally of two or three sides, and then the minister can read through quite quickly every day a whole bunch of updates and other things, and can be updated in an efficient way. this is as it were an evolution of that, which i think reflected the prime minister's hard copy, and he could receive that with whatever method he might need it, so it is a bit different from a normal whatsapp where i am typing in the message. let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good _ let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good indications— let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good indications of— let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good indications of the - let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good indications of the sort- let's look at pages 16 and 17, which are good indications of the sort of. are good indications of the sort of information— are good indications of the sort of information that _ are good indications of the sort of information that you _ are good indications of the sort of information that you were - are good indications of the sort of. information that you were providing. in information that you were providing. in the _ information that you were providing. in the middle — information that you were providing. in the middle of— information that you were providing. in the middle of the _ information that you were providing. in the middle of the page, _ information that you were providing. in the middle of the page, jen - information that you were providing. in the middle of the page, jen rick. in the middle of the page, jen rick speaking _ in the middle of the page, jen rick speaking to— in the middle of the page, jen rick speaking to starmer_ in the middle of the page, jen rick speaking to starmer re _ in the middle of the page, jen rick speaking to starmer re at -

in the middle of the page, jen rick. speaking to starmer re at liverpool, ithink— speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a _ speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good — speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good idea, _ speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good idea, but _ speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good idea, butjust- speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good idea, butjust to - speaking to starmer re at liverpool, i think a good idea, butjust to be . i think a good idea, butjust to be advised, — i think a good idea, butjust to be advised, is — i think a good idea, butjust to be advised, is it? _ i think a good idea, butjust to be advised, is it? to _ i think a good idea, but 'ust to be advised, is not i think a good idea, but 'ust to be advised, is infi mr . advised, is it? to be aware. mr netanyahu _ advised, is it? to be aware. mr netanyahu has _ advised, is it? to be aware. mr netanyahu has asked _ advised, is it? to be aware. mr netanyahu has asked for- advised, is it? to be aware. mr netanyahu has asked for an - advised, is it? to be aware. mr- netanyahu has asked for an urgent call re _ netanyahu has asked for an urgent call re vaccines, _ netanyahu has asked for an urgent call re vaccines, we _ netanyahu has asked for an urgent call re vaccines, we have - netanyahu has asked for an urgent| call re vaccines, we have declined. and over— call re vaccines, we have declined. and over the — call re vaccines, we have declined. and over the page, _ call re vaccines, we have declined. and over the page, 17, _ call re vaccines, we have declined. and over the page, 17, vaccine - and over the page, 17, vaccine deployment, _ and over the page, 17, vaccine deployment, parliamentary. and over the page, 17, vaccine - deployment, parliamentary affairs, information— deployment, parliamentary affairs, information about _ deployment, parliamentary affairs, information about the _ deployment, parliamentary affairs, information about the ecb. - deployment, parliamentary affairs, information about the ecb. are - deployment, parliamentary affairs, j information about the ecb. are you saying _ information about the ecb. are you saying all— information about the ecb. are you saying all this — information about the ecb. are you saying all this was _ information about the ecb. are you saying all this was cut _ information about the ecb. are you saying all this was cut and - information about the ecb. are you saying all this was cut and pasted l saying all this was cut and pasted from _ saying all this was cut and pasted from other— saying all this was cut and pasted from other e—mails? _ saying all this was cut and pasted from other e—mails? [— saying all this was cut and pasted from other e-mails?_ saying all this was cut and pasted from other e-mails? i would need to check, but — from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i — from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i did _ from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i did not— from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i did not type _ from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i did not type all - from other e-mails? i would need to check, but i did not type all those i check, but i did not type all those in as whatsapps, no. some of those messages, you are right, may have been things added in, but if you look at the majority of what you are looking at, that is all stuff which has been cut and pasted, so for example on the screen, the cabinet secretary has signed off the following agenda, and that is literally cut and pasted from documents. similarly, the ecb announcement is literally cut and pasted, so essentially it is a transmission mechanism that is

different from most other whatsapps. that isn't to say that some of the responses on their might have been typing manually, buti responses on their might have been typing manually, but i will be looking at this list, the vast majority of all have been cut and pasted. and there will be documents in number 10 which will literally have daily updates in december with all of these things in, and they will be an e—mail with it, and e—mail out with it, where i explain that the prime minister has noted all of these. but that the prime minister has noted all of these-— all of these. but not all of it, you would agree? — all of these. but not all of it, you would agree? some _ all of these. but not all of it, you would agree? some of _ all of these. but not all of it, you would agree? some of the - all of these. but not all of it, you - would agree? some of the information appears _ would agree? some of the information appears only— would agree? some of the information appears only on — would agree? some of the information appears only on these _ would agree? some of the information appears only on these whatsapp - appears only on these whatsapp threads, — appears only on these whatsapp threads, correct? _ i think some possibly but i would need to check it off, and then i would like to come back to my point about ephemeral and numb of femoral. updated material into the prime minister which is read out again by

e—mail. ell minister which is read out again by e-mail. . ., minister which is read out again by e-mail. �* ., , minister which is read out again by e-mail. . ., , . . , e-mail. all of this material is directly remic _ e-mail. all of this material is directly remic relevant, - e-mail. all of this material is directly remic relevant, to i e-mail. all of this material is l directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, _ directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, whether— directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, whether it- directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, whether it is- directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, whether it is to - directly remic relevant, to the pandemic, whether it is to do. directly remic relevant, to the . pandemic, whether it is to do with his business— pandemic, whether it is to do with his business in— pandemic, whether it is to do with his business in parliament, - pandemic, whether it is to do with his business in parliament, or- his business in parliament, or number— his business in parliament, or number ten _ his business in parliament, or number ten or— his business in parliament, or number ten or how— his business in parliament, or number ten or how the - his business in parliament, or- number ten or how the government is responding, _ number ten or how the government is responding, it's— number ten or how the government is responding, it's all— number ten or how the government is responding, it's all to _ number ten or how the government is responding, it's all to do _ number ten or how the government is responding, it's all to do with - responding, it's all to do with covid, — responding, it's all to do with covid, isn't— responding, it's all to do with covid, isn't it? _ responding, it's all to do with covid, isn't it? correct? - responding, it's all to do with covid, isn't it? correct? yes. | responding, it's all to do with - covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have _ covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have page — covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have page 114. _ covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have page 114, please? - covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have page 114, please? on - covid, isn't it? correct? yes. could we have page 114, please? on the| we have page 114, please? on the 15th of— we have page 114, please? on the 15th of april. _ we have page 114, please? on the 15th of april, 2021, _ we have page 114, please? on the 15th of april, 2021, so— we have page 114, please? on the 15th of april, 2021, sojust - we have page 114, please? on the 15th of april, 2021, so just a - 15th of april, 2021, so just a matter— 15th of april, 2021, so just a matter of— 15th of april, 2021, so just a matter of a _ 15th of april, 2021, so just a matter of a few _ 15th of april, 2021, so just a matter of a few weeks - 15th of april, 2021, so just a | matter of a few weeks before 15th of april, 2021, so just a - matter of a few weeks before mr johnson — matter of a few weeks before mr johnson announced _ matter of a few weeks before mr johnson announced the - matter of a few weeks before mr johnson announced the public. matter of a few weeks before mr - johnson announced the public inquiry to parliament. — johnson announced the public inquiry to parliament, you _ johnson announced the public inquiry to parliament, you turned _ johnson announced the public inquiry to parliament, you turned on- johnson announced the public inquiry to parliament, you turned on the - to parliament, you turned on the disappearing _ to parliament, you turned on the disappearing message _ to parliament, you turned on the disappearing message function l to parliament, you turned on the| disappearing message function in this whatsapp _ disappearing message function in this whatsapp group. _ disappearing message function in this whatsapp group. new- disappearing message function in - this whatsapp group. new messages will disappear — this whatsapp group. new messages will disappear from _ this whatsapp group. new messages will disappear from this _ this whatsapp group. new messages will disappear from this chat - this whatsapp group. new messages will disappear from this chat seven i will disappear from this chat seven days after— will disappear from this chat seven days after they _ will disappear from this chat seven days after they are _ will disappear from this chat seven days after they are sent. _ will disappear from this chat seven days after they are sent. and - will disappear from this chat seven days after they are sent. and if - will disappear from this chat seven days after they are sent. and if we j days after they are sent. and if we look at _ days after they are sent. and if we look at the — days after they are sent. and if we look at the bottom _ days after they are sent. and if we look at the bottom of— days after they are sent. and if we look at the bottom of the -

days after they are sent. and if we look at the bottom of the page, i look at the bottom of the page, august— look at the bottom of the page, august 2021, _ look at the bottom of the page, august 2021, and _ look at the bottom of the page, august 2021, and that - look at the bottom of the page, august 2021, and that over -