Wales' First Minister has spoken out on the appointment of Baroness Heather Hallett for a UK-wide Covid-19 inquiry.

Baroness Heather Hallett will oversee the review of the UK's response to coronavirus, which is due to begin in the spring of next year.

The 71-year-old, who previously led an inquest into the 7/7 bombings was warned by families of COVID victims that she "cannot afford to get it wrong".

Boris Johnson will now consult with Baroness Hallett and ministers from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the terms of reference for the COVID inquiry.

A draft will be published in the new year before bereaved families and other affected groups will be involved in a consultation process before being finalised.

The inquiry will be given full powers to compel the production of documents and summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Following the announcement by the UK Government, the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said:

“I am pleased that Baroness Hallett has been appointed to lead the UK-wide Covid-19 public inquiry.

“I have long argued the importance of this being a Judge-led inquiry and Baroness Hallett has extensive experience of dealing with high profile, sensitive and complex inquiries, including within a devolved context.

“This understanding of devolution is important if the inquiry is to fully scrutinise the decisions and actions taken by the Welsh Government and other Welsh public services in response to the pandemic.

“I am also pleased that the UK Government has confirmed that Welsh Ministers will be involved in setting and agreeing the terms of reference for the inquiry.

“The pandemic has been – and continues to be - one of the most difficult periods this country has ever faced. The appointment of Baroness Hallett will ensure the inquiry is handled sensitively and families who have lost loved ones are able to receive answers to the questions they have been asking.”