Fraser Nelson of the Spectator writing about the leaked lockdown files featuring communications from Matt Hancock the former health secretary with colleagues and advisors. Mr Nelson is correct in pointing out that many of the lockdown rules were sold to the public as being scientifically based. If it turns out that some were not and were instead based on political rather than scientific or epidemiological reasons then the public does have an interest in these communications even if they were leaked.

Mr Nelson said:

The decisions made on WhatsApp by Hancock and his fellow ministers decided the fate and liberty of millions: I cannot think of a recent story where there has been a larger public interest in full disclosure. If you’re a parent whose children were told to wear masks in corridors because ministers follow the best scientific and medical advice, there is a clear public interest in knowing that this ‘advice’ was political – about not wanting to be outshone by Nicola Sturgeon. Chris Whitty was asked: whats the science?