The government accepts this recommendation and recognises the importance of consistency in how deaths are reported across the world. The UK has consistently championed mortality surveillance through the WHO and has supported the development of international standards. WHO is currently developing standards for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which includes a framework for cause of death certification. The UK continues to input into these processes. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been working with the WHO Mortality Statistics team to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on excess deaths and mortality rates in different countries. This work will inform future policy decisions related to public health emergencies.