UK - Five years ago this month, Britain entered its first Covid lockdown. Streets were emptied, families separated and the NHS pushed to breaking point. Frontline heroes emerged, while others flouted the rules. Although the Covid global emergency was officially declared over in May 2023, debate over the origin and impact of the pandemic rages on. Despite early claims that the virus originated in a Wuhan 'wet market', many are now convinced that a leak from a laboratory in the Chinese city was the cause. The effect of Covid on British life has been profound. For some, lockdown was a positive experience, prompting lifestyle changes and bringing communities together. But for others it brought anxiety and loneliness. Research has found that the educational progress and social development of young children was severely affected. The full impact of the pandemic may not be known for many years.