9
Not Addressed
We are certainly not calling for SAGE advisors to be silenced, but for some expectations...
Recommendation
We are certainly not calling for SAGE advisors to be silenced, but for some expectations to be laid about the appropriate way to communicate considering, amongst other things, the potential for the politicisation of their commentary. Civil Servants advising Government are expected to abide by a code of conduct, and there should be a similar code for SAGE advisors. The SAGE secretariat should produce guidance for members on how to engage with the media, in line with the 2012 Cabinet Office Guidance. This should not be overly restrictive as to prevent individual advisors from undertaking their normal work or from outlining the capacity in which they advised SAGE if required. This should be made public.
Government Response Summary
The government refers to a future independent inquiry starting in spring 2022 to learn lessons from COVID-19, and highlights past scrutiny, but does not address the specific call for a code of conduct or media guidance for SAGE advisors.
Paragraph Reference
54
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse, reflect and to learn lessons on all aspects of COVID-19 - and that this would include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry would be established on a statutory basis - with full formal powers - and that it will begin its work in spring 2022. Aside from the inquiry, the Government of course continues to learn lessons and apply them to its response to COVID. The ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ publication applied all the experience of the pandemic to this strategy to cautiously lift restrictions, not least in the transparent use of data, analysis and modelling used to inform decision making. Our response has also been subject to extensive independent scrutiny, including seventeen reports by the independent National Audit Office and fifty parliamentary inquiries to date. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster agreed to appear before PACAC to discuss the review into COVID-status certification, and will answer the Committee’s outstanding questions answered during this appearance.
Source
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.4 yrs
Report published
15 Mar 2021