Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 4
4
We recommend that the lessons learned from Exercise Cygnus in relation to intergovernmental working, specifically...
Recommendation
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
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The report on Exercise Cygnus is available here. Exercise Cygnus identified 22 recommendations (or lessons in the terminology of the report) which were all accepted by the UK Government. For example, lesson 4 recommended that meetings of the four Health Ministers and of the CMOs should be best practice and included as part of the response “battle rhythm”. As discussed above, this is exactly what has happened, and is continuing to happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, and reflect on all aspects of COVID-19. As the Prime Minister has said, this will include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. For now, the UK Government is focused entirely on responding to the pandemic and saving lives, particularly as the UK is experiencing a second wave of the virus. The UK Government notes the Scottish Affairs Committee’s recommendation as to the independent inquiry’s eventual terms of reference. It would be premature to respond to the detail of the recommendation at this stage. We will consider the Committee’s views at the right time for decisions as to the inquiry’s terms of reference, and respond further to the Committee in due course. Preparedness for future public health emergencies in Scotland are primarily devolved matters for the Scottish Government, but the UK Government has consistently sought to work with the DAs on preparing for and responding to public health emergencies as has been shown by, for instance, the response to the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in 2009 and preparations for pandemic influenza following Exercise Cygnus.