Matt Hancock: abolishing PHE is ‘best thing to do right now’

Health secretary rejects suggestion move will cause disruption as country continues to fight Covid-19

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Matt Hancock has defended abolishing Public Health England and replacing it with a new body to tackle Covid-19, claiming the controversial move will not lead to disruption.

Ministers have been warned by major health bodies that axing PHE and launching a National Institute for Health Protection in its place is a hugely risky move that will distract staff who are working hard to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.

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