We accept that it is difficult to challenge a widely held scientific consensus. But accountability in a democracy depends on elected decision-makers taking advice, but examining, questioning and challenging it before making their own decisions. We find it surprising that the fatalistic assumptions behind the initial scientific advice were not challenged until it became clear the NHS could be overwhelmed, particularly given alternative strategies were being pursued visibly and successfully in East Asian countries. We heard that ‘red teaming’ and structured challenge was used within the national security community, which may also be of benefit to the scientific community.154 Kate Bingham also pointed out that the Government may have benefited from more scientists within the Civil Service155 We acknowledge that the then Secretary of State told us that he had challenged scientific advice regarding asymptomatic transmission.156 However, this came after the key moments in mid-March when challenge was needed most, and after the WHO had warned of asymptomatic transmission. The influence of modelling during the pandemic