Recommendation 5

Without a full and transparent investigation into the origins of covid-19, we are at greater risk of a disastrous new outbreak. By impeding efforts to trace the origins of the virus, Beijing is endangering its own population along with the rest of the world. Even with a full investigation, the limited access to data and to key sites in China in the early days of the pandemic makes any investigation more difficult—this must be addressed for any future outbreaks. The Government should work with other countries to increase the WHO’s powers to independently access countries where an outbreak has been reported, mirroring the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—including through reform of the International Health Regulations, if necessary. The Government should build a partnership of nations to investigate the virus’ origins and should make clear what measures it will take to support countries that are facing intimidation from Beijing over their backing for an independent investigation.