The UK government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis has been heavily criticised. With one of the highest death rates in Europe and the world, many are now calling for a public inquiry into the government’s response to the outbreak.

But how might a public inquiry be made as open, inclusive and democratic as possible? In this short paper, Stuart White asks: What would a People’s Inquiry look like? And would the inclusion of a Citizens’ Assembly deepen insights from experts, ensure that lessons are genuinely learned and make for better policymaking in the future?