Key moments: Boris faces the music at the Covid inquiry

Today’s the day. The start of one of the most highly anticipated evidence sessions at the Covid Inquiry sees former Prime Minister Boris Johnson take the hot seat. Here are the key points from his evidence so far:

Baroness Hallett reprimands those leaking Covid evidence

Baroness Hallett told Johnson that his statement is supposed to remain ‘confidential’, wrapping metaphorical knuckles as she continued: ‘Failing to respect confidentiality undermines the inquiry’s ability to do its job fairly, effectively and independently’.

But before today’s hearing could go much further, there was another halt to the proceedings. Just as Johnson launched into his apology, protestors off camera had made their presence known. After repeated warnings from the Baroness, four hecklers were forced out the room. A dramatic start to the day…

Johnson did not read Sage minutes

Ever the man of detail, Johnson has also admitted to the inquiry this morning that he only read minutes of Sage meetings ‘once or twice’ — before adding hurriedly that it was ‘maybe more than that’.