Recommendations & Conclusions
22 items
2
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
The UK Government has failed to make clear when its messaging applies only to England, causing unnecessary confusion in the devolved nations. There should be messaging clarity to minimise confusion across national boundaries, and this must begin to happen with immediate effect. Then, in its response to the Committee, the …
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The UK Government has failed to make clear when its messaging applies only to England, causing unnecessary confusion in the devolved nations. There should be messaging clarity to minimise confusion across national boundaries, and this must begin to happen with immediate effect. Then, in its response to the Committee, the Government must outline how it intends to address its failings in messaging, and how it plans to distribute future messages. All Government policy announcements must state clearly to which nation they apply. Post-message clarification is too late a point for providing these explanations, since, it risks leaving members of the public without the information they need to determine which messages apply to them, when they need it.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on concluding the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) review and improving transparency of formal IGR documents and processes, but does not address the specific recommendation for immediate messaging clarity in policy announcements regarding their application to devolved nations.
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Scotland Office
3
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
We are concerned to hear that Ministerial Implementation Groups (MIGs) and COBRA have ceased to meet in the context of the pandemic. From what we have heard about how communication standards currently stand, decision-makers in devolved nations have come to be consulted in an informal way, rather than via formalised, …
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We are concerned to hear that Ministerial Implementation Groups (MIGs) and COBRA have ceased to meet in the context of the pandemic. From what we have heard about how communication standards currently stand, decision-makers in devolved nations have come to be consulted in an informal way, rather than via formalised, minuted mechanisms like the JMC. We recommend that the Government outline how it has discussed decisions about the pandemic with decision-makers in devolved nations, and how it has guaranteed that regular communication have been taking place between the four nations, thus far. The Government should explain why MIGs and COBRA have ceased to meet and what consultation there was with the Scottish, and other devolved governments, prior to this decision.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response does not directly address why Ministerial Implementation Groups and COBRA ceased to meet or what consultation occurred with devolved governments prior to this decision. It also does not outline how decisions about the pandemic have been formally discussed with devolved nations or …
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Scotland Office
4
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Deferred
Looking to the future, Ministers must outline, in response to this report, their plans for the coronavirus Cabinet Committees, [Covid-19 Operations Committee and COVID-19 Strategy Committee] and how those Committees will incorporate the priorities of the devolved nations. In view of the previous Scottish Affairs Committee’s report on intergovernmental relations, …
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Looking to the future, Ministers must outline, in response to this report, their plans for the coronavirus Cabinet Committees, [Covid-19 Operations Committee and COVID-19 Strategy Committee] and how those Committees will incorporate the priorities of the devolved nations. In view of the previous Scottish Affairs Committee’s report on intergovernmental relations, the Government must now commit to the following: (Paragraph 61) • That key decision-makers in devolved nations hold permanent seats on the COVID-19 Cabinet Committees; (Paragraph 61.i)) • That the COVID-19 Committees be staffed by officials with a deep understanding of all four nations of the UK. In particular, the secretariat must include officials from the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales and the Northern Ireland Office, as well as representatives of the Scottish Government (and other nations including Wales and Northern Ireland); and (Paragraph 61.ii)) • That formal mechanisms will exist to guarantee intergovernmental communications, including formal meetings between Ministers in devolved nations; officials in devolved nations; advisory services in devolved nations. (Paragraph 61.iii)) Coronavirus and Scotland: Interim Report on Intergovernmental Working 33
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Government response AI summary
The government deferred a response to the detailed recommendations on devolved nation representation and staffing of COVID-19 Cabinet Committees, stating it would be premature and that these would be considered during an independent inquiry. It also mentioned that preparedness for future emergencies in Scotland is …
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Scotland Office
5
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
We have also noted that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has not been used as a method of intergovernmental communication throughout the pandemic, although we have heard suggestions that it would not have been fit for purpose in the COVID-19 context. This raises further questions about the resilience and suitability …
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We have also noted that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has not been used as a method of intergovernmental communication throughout the pandemic, although we have heard suggestions that it would not have been fit for purpose in the COVID-19 context. This raises further questions about the resilience and suitability of existing intergovernmental structures in crisis situations and what it means for the future of intergovernmental relations. We call on the Government to justify its preference for COBRA and the Ministerial Implementation Groups over the Joint Ministerial Committee as the main mechanisms for intergovernmental relations during the pandemic thus far.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details the commitment to undertaking a detailed evaluation of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, with reports due in 2021 and 2022, completely unrelated to the recommendation about intergovernmental communication mechanisms.
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Scotland Office
6
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Deferred
We also recommend that the Government explain to us how it will incorporate concerns about the resilience and suitability of current IGR structures (particularly the JMC) into its ongoing review of Intergovernmental Relations.
Government response AI summary
The government states that a response explaining how it will incorporate concerns about IGR structures into its ongoing review will be produced in the coming weeks.
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Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Acknowledged
Evidence heard on the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (Scotland Office) echoes the findings of the previous Committee, which found that Scottish and UK Ministerial counterparts preferred to communicate directly, rather than via the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland. While the …
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Evidence heard on the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (Scotland Office) echoes the findings of the previous Committee, which found that Scottish and UK Ministerial counterparts preferred to communicate directly, rather than via the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland. While the Secretary of State and officials at the Scotland Office provided us with accounts of additional engagement with the Scottish Government, there is a continuing risk of the Scotland Office finding itself out the loop on UK-Scotland issues relating to the pandemic.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the Committee's conclusion regarding the Scotland Office's role, stating it is carefully considering the pilot findings and will provide further information in due course.
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Scotland Office
8
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
The Government must specify and define a clear role for the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland in the context of COVID-19 and similar UK-wide emergencies. We understand that the Department is committed to being Scotland’s voice in Whitehall and has already arranged a series of communications between …
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The Government must specify and define a clear role for the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland in the context of COVID-19 and similar UK-wide emergencies. We understand that the Department is committed to being Scotland’s voice in Whitehall and has already arranged a series of communications between respective Ministers and officials in the Scottish and UK administrations. In that case, we think there is potential for it to play a formal coordination role in ensuring that relevant ministers in the UK and Scottish Governments are meeting regularly and are invited to all intergovernmental discussions. This may help fill the ‘vacuum’ in ministerial level communication between the UK and Scottish Governments that has been described to us.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendations on the Shortage Occupation List and encourages the Scottish Government to attract residents, but it does not address the recommendation regarding the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland in UK-wide emergencies …
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Scotland Office
9
Conclusion
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
Communication on a scientific level appears to have been regular and consistent between the four nations. Transparency around SAGE has improved with the publication of its membership and minutes. However, it is unclear whether the advice given by SAGE and the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Advisory Group to their respective Governments …
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Communication on a scientific level appears to have been regular and consistent between the four nations. Transparency around SAGE has improved with the publication of its membership and minutes. However, it is unclear whether the advice given by SAGE and the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Advisory Group to their respective Governments has been the same through-out the pandemic. This may be due to emphasis on different considerations in each area of the UK, including demographic considerations, such as age, and local R rate. It is difficult to assess these concerns due to issues around transparency.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response is irrelevant, detailing the launch of a UK Trade Hub in Edinburgh and progress on trade deals, without addressing the committee's observations about transparency of scientific advice during the pandemic.
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Scotland Office
10
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Not Addressed
We call on the UK and Scottish Governments to provide details of the procedures and processes used by their advisory groups for providing scientific advice. A commitment to transparency around scientific advice would provide the public and Parliament with the means necessary to scrutinise decisions around the pandemic. (Paragraph 84) …
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We call on the UK and Scottish Governments to provide details of the procedures and processes used by their advisory groups for providing scientific advice. A commitment to transparency around scientific advice would provide the public and Parliament with the means necessary to scrutinise decisions around the pandemic. (Paragraph 84) 34 Coronavirus and Scotland: Interim Report on Intergovernmental Working
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Government response AI summary
The government's response does not provide details of the procedures and processes used by its scientific advisory groups for providing advice, as recommended. Instead, the response discusses general pandemic preparedness and appears to address a separate recommendation concerning messaging clarity across the nations.
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Scotland Office
11
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Accepted
In addition, we recommend that both the UK and Scottish Governments should consider increasing the number of ‘on the ground’ public health officials in key advisory roles to complement the expertise of academics.
Government response AI summary
The government states that SAGE already has strong representation from public health officials and provides details on existing scientific advisory structures and information sharing, but does not commit to increasing their number.
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Scotland Office
12
Conclusion
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Accepted
The concept of the Joint Biosecurity Centre has been broadly welcomed by the witnesses we heard from, particularly the opportunity for the sharing and development of data sets. However, some questions around the role of the Centre remain, particularly how the devolved nations will feed in.
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The concept of the Joint Biosecurity Centre has been broadly welcomed by the witnesses we heard from, particularly the opportunity for the sharing and development of data sets. However, some questions around the role of the Centre remain, particularly how the devolved nations will feed in.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirmed that UK and Scottish Governments agreed and enacted secondary legislation allowing the Joint Biosecurity Centre to carry out functions in Scotland, directly addressing concerns about devolved nation involvement.
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Scotland Office
13
Recommendation
First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland:…
Acknowledged
The Government must answer a range of outstanding questions in relation to the Joint Biosecurity Centre, including: the Government’s assessment of the benefits of establishing such a Centre for all four nations, how the devolved administrations will contribute and who in the Scottish Government will be given the opportunity to …
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The Government must answer a range of outstanding questions in relation to the Joint Biosecurity Centre, including: the Government’s assessment of the benefits of establishing such a Centre for all four nations, how the devolved administrations will contribute and who in the Scottish Government will be given the opportunity to do so. (Paragraph 94) Coronavirus and Scotland: Interim Report on Intergovernmental Working 35
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Government response AI summary
The government explains the rationale for the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) operating across the UK and confirms that UK and Scottish Governments agreed on secondary legislation for the JBC to carry out functions in Scotland. However, it does not specifically provide a detailed assessment of …
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Scotland Office
1
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Rejected
We agree with Professor Nicola McEwen that trust is an essential ingredient for intergovernmental relations, and it is clear that trust needs to develop between the UK and Scottish Governments. This takes effort from both sides. Holding regular, formal, structured, minuted meetings is an essential part of co-ordinating the response …
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We agree with Professor Nicola McEwen that trust is an essential ingredient for intergovernmental relations, and it is clear that trust needs to develop between the UK and Scottish Governments. This takes effort from both sides. Holding regular, formal, structured, minuted meetings is an essential part of co-ordinating the response to a pandemic that does not respect borders. All four Governments of the UK need a reliable forum for communicating with other key decision makers to ensure that a co-ordinated, evidence-based response is achieved. The current rising case numbers make the need for such an approach even more vital. Regular meetings can help build on the existing relationships and grow trust between the two Governments. We build on our previous recommendation in the interim report (paragraph 60) and recommend that a timetable of regular intergovernmental meetings should be set up, both during the rest of this pandemic, especially if there is a second wave, but also for after the pandemic. We need a resilient format to be put in place immediately so that we know there will be regular, formal, planned meetings of key decision makers.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the need for new formal, structured, and minuted intergovernmental meetings, stating that existing regular, but less formal, interactions between ministers and scientific advisors are sufficient.
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Scotland Office
2
Conclusion
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Accepted
We welcome the review of intergovernmental working and look forward to seeing the results of the report. We intend to return to this issue later in the Parliament.
Government response AI summary
The government confirms its commitment to concluding the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) review, provides an update on recent discussions with Devolved Administrations, and details new measures being implemented to enhance transparency, reporting, and parliamentary engagement on IGR.
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Scotland Office
3
Conclusion
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Accepted
The evidence we received covering the general role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland has been helpful. We look forward to hearing a response to the recommendation in the interim report about the specific role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland during …
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The evidence we received covering the general role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland has been helpful. We look forward to hearing a response to the recommendation in the interim report about the specific role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland during the coronavirus pandemic and what their role could be in the context of similar UK-wide emergencies. (Paragraph 22) Health
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Government response AI summary
The government describes the existing activities and engagement of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland during the pandemic, including advising on agreements and providing information to HMT, arguing that its effective role often takes place quietly.
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Scotland Office
4
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Deferred
We recommend that the lessons learned from Exercise Cygnus in relation to intergovernmental working, specifically inviting devolved administrations to smaller meetings, are revisited. This should feed into the public inquiry of Covid-19, as committed to by the Prime Minister. A section of this public inquiry should relate to the pandemic …
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We recommend that the lessons learned from Exercise Cygnus in relation to intergovernmental working, specifically inviting devolved administrations to smaller meetings, are revisited. This should feed into the public inquiry of Covid-19, as committed to by the Prime Minister. A section of this public inquiry should relate to the pandemic in Scotland. This should focus on areas of reserved competence, concentrating on intergovernmental relations and working together in the health sector. It is crucial following the publication of this review that lessons learned are implemented and are assessed annually to ensure that Scotland is prepared for any future pandemics. (Paragraph 31) Economy
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Government response AI summary
The government states that lessons from Exercise Cygnus regarding intergovernmental working have already been implemented. It defers responding to the specific recommendations for the COVID-19 public inquiry's terms of reference, including a Scotland-focused section on intergovernmental relations, until the appropriate time.
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Scotland Office
5
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Accepted in Part
The evidence we have received suggests that the economic support packages provided by both the UK and Scottish Governments have been effective. Nonetheless, we believe that there is a case for conducting a review of the impacts of these packages, Coronavirus and Scotland 39 ensure they provided value for money …
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The evidence we have received suggests that the economic support packages provided by both the UK and Scottish Governments have been effective. Nonetheless, we believe that there is a case for conducting a review of the impacts of these packages, Coronavirus and Scotland 39 ensure they provided value for money and were targeted appropriately, and to see what lessons could be learned for any future similar contingencies. This review should take place by Easter 2021 and implement lessons learned into contingency planning by the end of 2021 at the latest.
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to undertaking detailed evaluations of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). CJRS evaluation findings will be published by the end of 2021, but the SEISS evaluation will not be possible until 2022 due to data availability, …
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Scotland Office
6
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Deferred
The Government response to our predecessor Committee’s report on Immigration and Scotland is now more than two years overdue. While we acknowledge the exceptional pressures on the Government in recent years, a delay of this length is wholly unacceptable. The response must now be produced as soon as possible, and …
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The Government response to our predecessor Committee’s report on Immigration and Scotland is now more than two years overdue. While we acknowledge the exceptional pressures on the Government in recent years, a delay of this length is wholly unacceptable. The response must now be produced as soon as possible, and in any case no later than the end of 2020.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the overdue response will be produced "in the coming weeks," implicitly deferring the specific deadline of "no later than the end of 2020."
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Scotland Office
7
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Deferred
The Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme is vital for the Scottish food sector, the pandemic highlighted that there is not the local take-up for these seasonal roles. We believe that not having enough people to harvest Scottish food puts an important part of the Scottish economy at risk, along with the …
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The Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme is vital for the Scottish food sector, the pandemic highlighted that there is not the local take-up for these seasonal roles. We believe that not having enough people to harvest Scottish food puts an important part of the Scottish economy at risk, along with the ability to feed Scottish people and export food. With potential continued restrictions upon immigration as cases rise, the UK Government needs to assess the impact of the “Pick for Britain” scheme moving forward. We agree with the evidence we have heard about increasing numbers for the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme and recommend that numbers on this programme be increased by at least 50%.
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Government response AI summary
The government is carefully considering the pilot's findings and will provide further information in due course, without committing to an increase in numbers for the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme.
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Scotland Office
8
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Deferred
We acknowledge there are staffing issues for the health and social care sector and that the Migration Advisory Committee did not have enough information when making the decisions about the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland. We welcome the recent development of including senior care workers and nursing assistants to the …
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We acknowledge there are staffing issues for the health and social care sector and that the Migration Advisory Committee did not have enough information when making the decisions about the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland. We welcome the recent development of including senior care workers and nursing assistants to the Shortage Occupation List but do not believe this goes far enough. We recommend that the Migration Advisory Committee include all key health and social care workers on the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland. We also urge the Scottish Government to do more to encourage a larger share of migrants to the UK to live in Scotland.
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Government response AI summary
The UK government is deferring immediate acceptance of the recommendation to include all key health and social care workers on the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland, stating it will scrutinise them for consideration in 2021. It supports the recommendation for the Scottish Government to encourage …
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Scotland Office
9
Conclusion
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Accepted
Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those key export sectors ought to be a major concern of both the UK and Scottish Governments. We have heard about the huge reduction in exports throughout the first part of 2020, largely due to the …
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Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those key export sectors ought to be a major concern of both the UK and Scottish Governments. We have heard about the huge reduction in exports throughout the first part of 2020, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. More could be done to support exports both in the short and long-term.
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Government response AI summary
The government describes existing and ongoing actions to support Scottish exports, including the launch of a UK Trade Hub in Edinburgh to help businesses grow internationally and progress on new trade agreements.
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Scotland Office
10
Recommendation
Second Report - Coronavirus and Scotland
Accepted
We recommend that when the UK Government plans for future pandemics it considers all three areas—immigration, supply chain and exports—as part of the whole picture. Where responsibility is devolved to Scotland, the UK Government and Scottish Government should work closely together to support these three key areas. These plans should …
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We recommend that when the UK Government plans for future pandemics it considers all three areas—immigration, supply chain and exports—as part of the whole picture. Where responsibility is devolved to Scotland, the UK Government and Scottish Government should work closely together to support these three key areas. These plans should be annually reviewed by the UK Government and have the recommendations implemented as soon as practicable, at least by the end of
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has long recognized the threat of pandemics and involved Devolved Administrations in past planning, citing the 2011 UK Influenza Preparedness Strategy and their involvement in Exercise Cygnus and the Coronavirus Act. The response focuses on existing coordination and past efforts, without …
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Scotland Office