Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 69
Given the frequent reporting of the views of SAGE advisers in the media— particularly where...
Recommendation
Given the frequent reporting of the views of SAGE advisers in the media— particularly where these have diverged from decisions taken by the Government— and the continued public interest in the evidence base underlying decisions made, we are satisfied for the most part that the demarcation between adviser and decision- maker has remained intact. If we are to fully understand the extent to which the Government has been guided by scientific and medical expertise, then we must see the science advice that is reflected in the papers and meeting minutes published by SAGE. This advice must also be taken in the context of other advice and evidence submitted to Government—only then will the full justification for the Government’s actions be understood. The Government should publish the science advice given by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer for England to COBR and the Prime Minister to date, and commit to the disclosure of future SAGE advice within two months of it being given, or the policy being decided, whichever is the later.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agreed on the importance of considering a wide range of factors and committed to publishing data that has informed its decision-making, including analysis and rationale for policy choices like the tiering framework. However, it did not commit to publishing specific science advice given by the GCSA and CMO to COBR and the Prime Minister, nor to a two-month disclosure timeframe for future SAGE advice.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
69
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
GO-Science has released 684 papers (as at 30.04.2021) and the minutes from COVID-SAGE which forms the advice provided to Ministers. The current aim is to release papers about two weeks after the SAGE meeting at which the advice was considered, unless for reasons of national security, commercial sensitivity or the need to protect space for policy development. In practice, papers are often released much sooner than this, for example the minutes of the SAGE meeting held on Thursday 18 February 2021 and 19 related papers were released on Monday 22 February alongside publication of the Government’s Roadmap. Each emergency is unique and therefore the timing of release of advice from SAGE will need to be agreed with CO and No. 10 in accordance with the circumstances of future incidents. Where appropriate, and in keeping with the strong public interest in maintaining the safe space for the process of policy formulation the principle of Cabinet Collective Responsibility, advice to the Prime Minister and COBR may need to be kept confidential to ensure advisers can express their views frankly in the expectation that they can provide the fullest possible advice to Ministers and the Prime Minister. COBR is formally a Committee of the Cabinet, and it is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not normally shared publicly.
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