Covid review chair responds to reporter's accusations

Kate Brunner KC denies telling Paul Moulton her review was in danger of collapsing

The chair of the Covid review insists she didn't tell a reporter the review was in danger of collapsing or attempt to stop him submitting Freedom of Information requests.

Kate Brunner KC has been responding to allegations made by Paul Moulton of Isle of Man TV in a video posted earlier today, which can be viewed HERE.

Mr Moulton states he was contacted by the chair on 23 July, when she asked him to pause his reporting on government's handling of the Covid pandemic over concern that witnesses were withdrawing from taking part in the review.

He then explains Ms Brunner prepared a press release announcing that he was stepping back from his inquiries, but that his advocate highlighted concerns that this would be seen as gagging the media.

In addition to the video, Mr Moulton also shared a number of documents showing email exchanges between his legal adviser and Ms Brunner.

One email from his legal team to Ms Brunner on 23 July reads: "I think your draft press release is deeply inadvisable, because it brings into play the notion that you have done a deal with a journalist and thus interfered with the free press. It could lead to justifiable calls to recuse yourself and could damage your reputation. Please take time to think about it very carefully. There is no rush."

Responding to the accusations, Ms Brunner confirms she reached out to Mr Moulton in July after a number of people expressed concern about taking part in the review.

She says: "I also communicated with Mr Moulton on 23 July. When I explained the situation to Mr Moulton he agreed that it was in the public interest that witnesses were not discouraged from participating in the Review, and was content to pause his reporting about the early pandemic, but wanted there to be a public statement to explain why he was pausing that reporting.

"Following that conversation I drafted a press release which is attached and which reflects our conversation. After further communication from Mr Moulton’s advisor and Mr Moulton I removed reference to Mr Moulton in the subsequent press release issued on 29th July 2023. My message remained the same: a request to all to be mindful of the fact that I am conducting an independent review about a very sensitive period in IOM recent history.

"For the sake of clarity, when I spoke to Mr Moulton I did not suggest the Review was in danger of collapsing, nor have I ever done so. Neither did I seek to prevent Mr Moulton from pursuing his Freedom of Information requests to the Isle of Man Government. That is a matter for Mr Moulton and the Government, and in conversation with Mr Moulton as well as a previous press release I have made my position on that issue clear."

The full statement from Ms Brunner can be read HERE.

Mr Moulton's comments come after the BMA and former Medical Director Dr Rosalind Ranson expressed concern over the independence of the Covid review, with Dr Ranson describing it as 'a sham' - something Ms Brunner and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan have since refuted.

Manx Radio has also invited the Isle of Man Government to respond to Mr Moulton's comments.