Recommendation 1

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.