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Boris Johnson calls for independent inquiry into origins of coronavirus outbreak

Boris Johnson has called for an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty
Boris Johnson has called for an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty

Boris Johnson has said an independent inquiry must take place into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak, as he spoke with the World Health Organisation’s director-general.

The Prime Minister’s call for a probe came as she spoke to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the telephone on Tuesday. The WHO chief agreed with Mr Johnson, Number 10 said following the conversation.

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.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a daily press briefing on Covid-19 (AFP via Getty Images)
World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a daily press briefing on Covid-19 (AFP via Getty Images)

"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 last week accused China of “mass worldwide killing” over the coronavirus pandemic.

He lashed out again as the gulf deepens between the two nations since Covid-19 first emerged in Wuhan, a Chinese city of 11 million people.

Mr Trump has also been highly critical of the WHO during the outbreak.

He threatened to permanently cut off funding to the organisation if it fails to make “major changes” within a 30 day deadline.

He lambasted the WHO for repeatedly "praising" China and said the only way forward for it was to "demonstrate independence from China".

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