Ex-medical chief describes ‘car crash’ meeting with Michael Gove after Salisbury poisoning

Ex-health official recounts disastrous meeting with Michael Gove post Salisbury poisoning

In dramatic testimony at the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, Professor Dame Sally Davies recounted a tense meeting with Michael Gove, characterised as a “car crash” by the former chief medical officer. The meeting revolved around the decontamination policy in the aftermath of the Novichok poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

According to Dame Sally, the meeting took a wrong turn when Gove, then-environment secretary, expressed a desire to overhaul the decontamination process, insisting on a centralised national leadership role instead of the established partnership approach involving local authorities and various stakeholders. Despite attempts by Gove’s team to explain the effectiveness of the existing system, he persisted in wanting a new approach, leading to what Dame Sally described as a disastrous meeting.

The email exchange between Dame Sally and the then-cabinet secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, highlighted her concerns about Gove’s handling of the situation. Following the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess, who came into contact with the deadly nerve agent, tensions were high regarding the response to such incidents to prevent future tragedies.

The inquiry also revealed Sir Jeremy’s apprehensions about Gove’s approach, with redacted messages indicating a lack of confidence in Gove’s leadership. The proceedings continue to shed light on the decision-making process and response mechanisms in place during critical public health emergencies.

Insights and Summary:
The recounting of Professor Dame Sally Davies about her challenging meeting with Michael Gove underscores the complexities involved in handling public health crises effectively. The clash in perspectives regarding the decontamination policy post-Salisbury poisoning highlights the importance of clear communication and collaboration in crisis response efforts. Dame Sally’s testimony serves as a reminder of the critical role played by experts and officials in navigating unprecedented challenges and ensuring a coordinated response to protect public health and safety.