Release of Former Chief Scientific Adviser’s COVID-19 Diary Would ‘Breach Human Rights’

A lawyer representing Sir Patrick Vallance, the UK’s former scientific adviser, has cited his human rights to argue against the release of his diary entries.

The UK's former Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance speaks at a press conference in Downing Street, London, on July 19, 2021. Alberto Pezzali/PA

A lawyer representing the government’s former chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has said the release of his complete diary entries to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry would be a breach of his human rights.

The inquiry has already heard selected excerpts from the diary he wrote while advising the government during the 2020/2021 pandemic.