Boris Johnson tells WHO chief: There MUST be an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus
- The UK PM spoke to WHO boss yesterday about the need for a Covid-19 inquiry
- Both parties agreed on an independent investigation to stop future outbreaks
- Some world leaders have said China has not been transparent about its cases
- US President Donald Trump has been highly critical of both China and the WHO
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the head of the World Health Organisation yesterday there must be an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.
He made the comments in a telephone call to the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday, Downing Street said.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agreed with the PM, according to Number 10.
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a daily news conference with Public Health England’s (PHE) Medical Director Yvonne Doyle (not pictured), on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain on Monday
Mr Johnson also spoke with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres about the Covid-19 outbreak.
A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘On both calls, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s support for the international effort to defeat coronavirus and for the work of the UN and WHO in helping to co-ordinate the global response.
‘The Prime Minister and Dr Tedros agreed on the importance of an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak, so we can learn lessons to prevent future pandemics.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is pictured attending the 147th session of the WHO Executive Board held virtually by videoconference, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus. The WHO chief spoke to UK PM Boris Johnson by phone yesterday, where both parties agreed on an independent investigation into the cause of the global pandemic
‘The Prime Minister also confirmed he will participate via video message in the UN’s upcoming Financing For Development in the Era of Covid-19 event to map out an equitable, green recovery from this crisis.
‘Both Dr Tedros and Secretary-General Guterres reiterated their support for the UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit on June 4, which will raise vital funds to save the lives of millions of children worldwide.’
The call for an independent inquiry into the origin of the disease comes amid some international criticism that China was not transparent enough when coronavirus first appeared.
US President Donald Trump has also been highly critical of the WHO during the outbreak.