Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 53
When SAGE advisors speak publicly about the advice they have given to Government it has...
Conclusion
When SAGE advisors speak publicly about the advice they have given to Government it has the potential to create confusion and undermine trust. This report calls for greater transparency, including on uncertainties, but there also needs to be clarity about what has underpinned Government decisions. SAGE is made transparent through the official records of discussions and advice published, and it is important that this is not framed or politicised by individual advisors. SAGE members, and experts from other bodies, can play a role in informing the public. However, as it stands, the public is not well informed about the role of SAGE advisors and might not be aware that differences of opinion are an inherent (even encouraged) element of discussion in that forum.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government refers to a future independent inquiry starting in spring 2022 to learn lessons from COVID-19 and highlights past scrutiny, but does not address the concerns about SAGE advisors speaking publicly or public understanding of SAGE's role.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
53
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
In certain emergency circumstances the Cabinet Office and the Lead Government Department in consultation with the Prime Minister’s office can activate the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) – for response, recovery or both. If required, scientific and technical advice will either be provided by individual experts or, coordinated via a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), as appropriate. The SAGE secretariat sits within the Government Office for Science. In response to the long running nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAGE has now been activated for the longest continual period since its inception. Most SAGE participants are independent and are free to discuss the science around COVID-19 in the media. If they do choose to do so, they are advised to be clear that they are speaking as individuals from an expert perspective and not on behalf of SAGE or HM Government. Participants have been provided with advice on how to engage with the media. The principles of scientific advice, set out the rules of engagement between HM Government and those who provide independent scientific and engineering advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scientific-advice-to-government-principle The principles offer a foundation on which independent scientific advisers and government departments should base their operations and interactions. The principles set out the roles and responsibilities of these advisers and cover issues of independence, transparency and openness.
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