Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
First Report - The UK response to covid-19: use of scientific advice
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 136
Published 8 January 2021
Government response
Government Response to the Science and Technology Committee report: The UK Response to Covid-19: Use of Scientific Advice · published 14 May 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 33
The coronavirus pandemic marks the most significant test of the UK’s emergency advisory and decision-making...
Recommendation
The coronavirus pandemic marks the most significant test of the UK’s emergency advisory and decision-making structures in living memory. As such, it is important that lessons are drawn throughout and applied so that the Government and future Governments may be …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to publishing scientific advice in a timely fashion, with a default for release, and outlines the roles of the new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) in the longer-term management of the pandemic, providing clarity on the future of science advice.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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2
Recommendation
Deferred
The Cabinet Office and Government Office for Science should update SAGE guidance to set out...
Recommendation
The Cabinet Office and Government Office for Science should update SAGE guidance to set out the role that SAGE will play in advising the Government’s long-term management of emergency scenarios. (Paragraph 34) Activation and operation of SAGE
Government Response Summary
The government stated that responsibility for long-term emergency management sits with lead departments and SAGE is used case-by-case. It committed to learning from the Covid-19 response regarding how scientific advice can inform long-term emergency management, but did not explicitly commit to updating SAGE guidance to set out its specific role.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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3
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 43
We are satisfied that the SAGE mechanism responded to the advent of the novel coronavirus...
Conclusion
We are satisfied that the SAGE mechanism responded to the advent of the novel coronavirus in a timely manner and that the most up-to-date scientific research and understanding was readily available to inform the Government from the outset. Nevertheless, we …
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Government Response Summary
The government responded by stating that no other papers were commissioned for early SAGE meetings and that minutes are available, but did not address the committee's concern about the speed of policy decisions in response to scientific evidence.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 44
It is disappointing that the details of SAGE’s preliminary meetings were not made public for...
Recommendation
It is disappointing that the details of SAGE’s preliminary meetings were not made public for over two months, leading to unnecessary concern and confusion over what advice the Government had been receiving. Indeed, were it not for our early enquiries, …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the diversity of SAGE advisors and their expertise, but does not address the recommendation to confirm whether papers were considered at the first two SAGE meetings or commit to publishing them.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 45
We believe the initial response in setting up SAGE was timely.
Recommendation
We believe the initial response in setting up SAGE was timely. We have heard from some sectors of the science community that the community was not consulted appropriately. The Government should set out in response to this Report how in …
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Government Response Summary
The government expressed appreciation for scientific contributions and outlined support for SAGE participants and their universities, including future plans for recognition. However, it did not set out a plan for how it will formally and informally engage with the broader science community in future emergencies.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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6
Recommendation
Not Addressed
SAGE has been activated for the longest continual period since its inception, which brings to...
Recommendation
SAGE has been activated for the longest continual period since its inception, which brings to question how sustainably the group can maintain its current level of high activity. We acknowledge senior scientists’ comments of frequent working round the clock, and …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it will consider revisions to SAGE guidance as part of a future review, focusing on participant identity publication and security risks, but does not specifically commit to updating guidance for adviser support in long-term emergencies or to formally recognise contributors.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7
Recommendation
Deferred
Para 56
Whilst we welcome the eventual disclosure of SAGE participants, the fact that the delay was...
Recommendation
Whilst we welcome the eventual disclosure of SAGE participants, the fact that the delay was attributed to advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) gives us cause for concern. As suggested by Professor Chris Whitty, the …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it will consider necessary revisions to SAGE guidance as part of a wider future review, but does not commit to updating the guidance within three months to stipulate timeframes for receiving CPNI advice regarding public disclosure of SAGE participants.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 57
Regarding the disclosure of Government officials observing SAGE meetings, we agree with the redaction of...
Recommendation
Regarding the disclosure of Government officials observing SAGE meetings, we agree with the redaction of information to protect the personal data of individuals including junior officials at the time of the emergency. In the interests of transparency, and to have …
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Government Response Summary
The government response focuses on the Joint Biosecurity Centre's (JBC) publications, data, and the commitment to publish minutes and scope of its various boards, but it does not address the recommendation for full disclosure of SAGE attendees and observers.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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9
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 64
It is regrettable that full transparency was not achieved in time for the JBC’s inauguration...
Recommendation
It is regrettable that full transparency was not achieved in time for the JBC’s inauguration on 1 June. We welcome the disclosure of the expert advisory boards supporting the JBC. Nevertheless, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has …
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Government Response Summary
The government response focuses on the transparency of SAGE publications and reasons for confidentiality, but does not commit to publishing the outputs or meeting schedules for the JBC's steering and advisory boards, as specifically requested by the committee.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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10
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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11
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 86
Transparency in the evidence behind Government decisions enables higher quality decision-making through scrutiny, and better...
Recommendation
Transparency in the evidence behind Government decisions enables higher quality decision-making through scrutiny, and better understanding of the reasons for those decisions. While calls for the publication of SAGE evidence from this Committee and many others were eventually heeded, it …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response describes its efforts to understand the wider health impacts of Covid-19 and the methodology for reporting deaths, but it does not address the committee's specific recommendation regarding the rigour and relevance of analysis selected for public presentation to avoid public alarm.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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12
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 87
It has been made clear to us that policy decisions throughout the coronavirus pandemic have...
Recommendation
It has been made clear to us that policy decisions throughout the coronavirus pandemic have not been based solely on medical and epidemiological science, but rather have been developed with a wide range of inputs that include scientific research and …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it will work to evolve SAGE guidance on transparency and points to existing publications and data sources that provide information on the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, including metrics used for policy decisions, and commits to future investment in data and analytics.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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13
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 88
The public has shown a strong appetite for more information.
Recommendation
The public has shown a strong appetite for more information. The Government should attempt to quantify the four forms of health impacts identified by Professor Whitty. Further, it should consider whether it is possible to provide an analysis of—either consistently …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response details its efforts to communicate scientific advice during the pandemic, but does not address the recommendation to quantify health impacts or provide analysis distinguishing between those who died with or from Covid-19.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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14
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 89
As indicated by the Chief Medical Officer for England, the SAGE secretariat faced “huge pressure”...
Recommendation
As indicated by the Chief Medical Officer for England, the SAGE secretariat faced “huge pressure” in managing the monumental task of organising SAGE whilst adhering to the principles of transparent and scrutable scientific advice. We commend the efforts of officials …
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Government Response Summary
The government response details how it considers and mitigates indirect impacts of COVID-19, describes decision-making structures, and lists various metrics. However, it does not address the recommendation to update SAGE guidance specifically on managing transparency during emergencies.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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15
Recommendation
Not Addressed
We applaud the dedication with which the scientific community within the UK and globally have...
Recommendation
We applaud the dedication with which the scientific community within the UK and globally have directly engaged with the public, in addition to their intensive studies of the coronavirus itself. We are also grateful to those within universities and research …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response focused on improvements in data access, sharing, and integration across government and devolved administrations, including the role of the JBC. This response did not address the recommendation to identify lessons learned from the communication of science or to update SAGE guidance regarding support for SAGE participants in public communication.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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16
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 100
We believe that a gap persists in the transparency of the advice that is given...
Recommendation
We believe that a gap persists in the transparency of the advice that is given to the Government, outside of the auspices of SAGE, particularly on the topic of non- medical impacts of the pandemic and related Government interventions. While …
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Government Response Summary
The government response details its approach to test, trace, and isolate, including regional engagement teams and the functions of the JBC, as well as funding for local authorities. It does not, however, set out how advice on indirect effects of COVID-19 interventions has been structured or commit to disclosing related individuals, institutions, or papers.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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17
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 109
Given the UK’s strengths in statistical analysis and data science, it is regrettable that poor...
Recommendation
Given the UK’s strengths in statistical analysis and data science, it is regrettable that poor data flows, delays in data-sharing agreements and a general lack of structuring and data integration across both the health and social care sectors have throttled …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response focused entirely on the GCSA, CMO, and SAGE participants' engagement with international counterparts and organizations to share information and learn lessons. It did not address the recommendation for DHSC to set out an action plan for addressing poor data access, data sharing agreements, data integration across UK health and social care sectors, or the role of the Joint Biosecurity Centre.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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18
Conclusion
Not Addressed
We are satisfied that the science advice informing the Government has drawn upon some of...
Conclusion
We are satisfied that the science advice informing the Government has drawn upon some of the best expertise that the UK—and indeed the world—has to offer. We acknowledge the initial dominance of modelling expertise on SAGE and believe this is …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response detailed its ongoing review of non-pharmaceutical interventions and social distancing rules, highlighting its collaboration with scientific advisers and consideration of international and devolved administration approaches in policy decisions. It did not directly address the committee's conclusion regarding the breadth and evolution of scientific expertise informing the government.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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19
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 137
The Government was too slow to increase testing capacity to the levels required to help...
Conclusion
The Government was too slow to increase testing capacity to the levels required to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. We have previously suggested that strategy was driven by the capacity available, rather than strategy driving the necessary increase …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response describes its belief in a combined national and local approach for test, trace, and isolate, and how NHS Test and Trace was designed for integrated service. However, it does not address the committee's specific criticism regarding the slowness to increase testing capacity or missed lessons.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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20
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Government was slow to move once it realised that coronavirus testing required a rapid...
Conclusion
The Government was slow to move once it realised that coronavirus testing required a rapid expansion and did not engage sufficiently with the wide array of scientific expertise available within the UK—particularly within our universities and research institutes. While we …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response explains its integrated national and local approach for test, trace, and isolate, and how NHS Test and Trace was designed with local engagement. However, it does not address the committee's criticism regarding the slowness to expand testing capacity or the insufficient engagement with scientific expertise.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 139
The Committee will report separately and more fully on the test, trace and isolate system...
Conclusion
The Committee will report separately and more fully on the test, trace and isolate system and the mass testing programme in due course. But in considering the role of science advice, and its influence on Government decisions, we are concerned …
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Government Response Summary
The government explains its belief that a combined national and local approach for test, trace, and isolate is best, detailing how NHS Test and Trace was designed with local engagement to be an integrated service from the outset.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 140
The creation of NHS Test and Trace involves a budget of £22 billion for financial...
Conclusion
The creation of NHS Test and Trace involves a budget of £22 billion for financial year 2020–21 and the justification for most of its spending being on the central part of the system, rather than through local public health teams, …
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Government Response Summary
The government justifies its combined national and local approach for NHS Test and Trace, stating it was always intended to be integrated and has involved extensive local engagement through Regional Engagement Teams and partnerships. It explains that this multi-faceted approach is best suited for delivering results.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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23
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 141
The Government should: explain clearly the justification for taking a relatively centralised approach to test,...
Recommendation
The Government should: explain clearly the justification for taking a relatively centralised approach to test, trace and isolate; set out its assessment of the impact of the system on the spread of the virus since the outset, including on health …
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Government Response Summary
The government explains its rationale for an integrated national and local Test and Trace system, detailing how it works with local partners and its intention to combine approaches. However, it does not provide an assessment of the system's impact on virus spread or health outcomes, commit to a specific review of the local-national balance including value for money, or explain the unusual organisational relationship with DHSC.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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24
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 149
Throughout the pandemic, the UK has relied on its own bespoke system of science advice...
Recommendation
Throughout the pandemic, the UK has relied on its own bespoke system of science advice and guidance on non-pharmaceutical interventions, while at the same time global-level guidance has been issued regularly by the World Health Organisation (WHO). There have also …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it keeps non-pharmaceutical interventions under constant review and engages in regular dialogue with other countries, considering international approaches in its policy decisions. However, it does not commit to a specific review of the relationship between SAGE, international advisory structures, and the WHO to improve knowledge sharing, nor to the requested deadline.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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25
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 150
Given the importance of refining interventions to mitigate both impacts on public health and economic...
Recommendation
Given the importance of refining interventions to mitigate both impacts on public health and economic recovery, a review of social distancing measures came quite late. While the scientific approach quite rightly waits for the evidence before making a definitive recommendation, …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it keeps NPIs and social distancing under constant review and is conducting a review of these measures, collaborating with advisors and engaging with other countries. However, it does not commit to a specific comparative review against SARS/MERS countries or to publishing findings by the requested deadline.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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26
Conclusion
Para 158
The development of vaccines and therapeutics is a policy area in which it is right...
Conclusion
The development of vaccines and therapeutics is a policy area in which it is right that science must lead the way, so that there may be a high level of confidence that a rigorous approach has been taken towards safety …
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Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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27
Conclusion
We acknowledge that a large part of the success to date into the development of...
Conclusion
We acknowledge that a large part of the success to date into the development of covid-19 vaccines and therapeutics can be credited to lessons learned from previous outbreaks and efforts made to prepare for future crises. As further promising vaccine …
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Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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