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Press release

The King's Fund responds to UK Covid-19 deaths exceeding 100,000

Responding to the latest data on Covid-19 deaths in the UK, Richard Murray, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund said:

‘This time last year, it would be almost impossible to believe that a wealthy island nation with a universal healthcare system would go on to have one of the highest death tolls from the emerging Covid-19 pandemic. Yet the United Kingdom has now passed the grim milestone of 100,000 Covid-19 deaths with many more likely to follow.

‘It will take a public inquiry to determine exactly what went wrong with the United Kingdom’s response to Covid-19 pandemic, but mistakes have been made. Decisions to enter lockdown have consistently come late, with the government failing to learn from past mistakes or the experiences of other countries.

‘The pandemic has had a grossly disproportionate impact on poorer communities and ethnic minority groups. Many forms of inequality have widened during the pandemic, so reducing inequalities should be at the heart of the government’s post-Covid recovery plans.’

Notes to editors

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact the Press and Public Affairs team on 07584 146035 or [email protected].

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.