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
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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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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