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We have referred to early evidence from Dr Richard Horton, the Editor of the Lancet,...
Conclusion
We have referred to early evidence from Dr Richard Horton, the Editor of the Lancet, who was concerned that SAGE in its early months was taking insufficient account of international perspectives. At the time he gave his evidence, Dr Horton, like the rest of the public, was not aware of the membership of SAGE. Now we are, and it is notable that 173 GOV.UK, SAGE 14, 10 March 2020 174 GOV.UK, SAGE 16, 16 March 2020 175 Office for National Statistics, ‘Coronavirus and the social impacts on behaviours during different lockdown periods, Great Britain: up to February 2021’, accessed 17 September 2021 176 Oral evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee on 3 November 2020, HC (2019–21) 136, Q1517 46 Coronavirus: lessons learned to date of the 87 people listed as having participated in at least one meeting of SAGE, all bar one person (Dr Pasi Penttinen, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) are from UK institutions.177
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In future an approach of greater questioning and challenge should characterise the development of policy. Ministers should have the confidence to follow a scientific approach themselves—being prepared to take a more robust approach to questioning and challenging the advice given. The government and SAGE should also facilitate strong external and structured challenge to scientific advice, including from experts in countries around the world, and a wider range of disciplines.
Source
Inquiry
Coronavirus: lessons learnt
Report
Sixth Report - Coronavirus: lessons learned to date
12 Oct 2021
HC 92
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.6 yrs
Report published
12 Oct 2021