Coronavirus and Scotland

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 12 May 2020 Closed: 1 Feb 2021 Parliament page
The Committee will be inquiring into the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on: the four-nation approach intergovernmental communication scientific advice policy divergence the impact of coronavirus on various sectors in Scotland Read the call for evidence for more detail about the inquiry
16 Recommendations
6 Conclusions
2 Reports
10 Oral sessions
5 Letters
11 Events
Activity timeline 20 events
1 Feb
2021
Report published
1 Feb
2021
Report published
4 Nov
2020
Correspondence
22 Oct
2020
Report published
15 Oct
2020
Correspondence
8 Oct
2020
Correspondence
17 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
10 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
3 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
23 Jul
2020
Report published
16 Jul
2020
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Virtual meeting
9 Jul
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 10 sessions
17 Sep 2020
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Gillian McGregor CBE · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland Iain Stewart MP · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland Rt Hon Alister Jack MP · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
10 Sep 2020
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Dr Donald Macaskill · Scottish Care Theresa Fyffe · Royal College of Nursing Scotland Wilma Brown · NHS Fife
3 Sep 2020
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Elspeth Macdonald · Scottish Fishermen's Federation Jimmy Buchan · Scottish Seafood Association John Anderson · Scottish Fishermen's Organisation
9 Jul 2020
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Colette Cohen · Oil and Gas Technology Company Deirdre Michie · Oil and Gas UK Professor John Underhill · Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering
2 Jul 2020
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David Phillips · Institute for Fiscal Studies Professor Alasdair Smith · Scottish Fiscal Commission
25 Jun 2020
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James Withers · Scotland Food and Drink Jonnie Hall · National Farmers Union of Scotland Karen Betts · Food and Drink Federation
18 Jun 2020
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Akash Paun · Institute for Government Professor David Bell · University of Stirling Professor Linda Bauld · University of Edinburgh Professor Nicola McEwen · University of Glasgow
11 Jun 2020
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Jeane Freeman OBE · Scottish Government Professor Jason Leitch · Scottish Government
21 May 2020
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Dr Gregor Smith, Interim Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Professor Andrew Morris · Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Advisory Group Professor Sheila Rowan, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland
14 May 2020
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Douglas Ross · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland Gillian McGregor · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland Rt Hon Alister Jack · Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
Recommendations & Conclusions
22 results
2 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
The UK Government has failed to make clear when its messaging applies only to England,...
The UK Government has failed to make clear when its messaging applies only to England, causing unnecessary confusion in the devolved nations. There should be messaging clarity to minimise confusion across national boundaries, and this must begin to happen with … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses on concluding the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) review and improving transparency of formal IGR documents and processes, but does not address the specific recommendation for immediate messaging clarity in policy announcements regarding their application to devolved nations.
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3 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
We are concerned to hear that Ministerial Implementation Groups (MIGs) and COBRA have ceased to...
We are concerned to hear that Ministerial Implementation Groups (MIGs) and COBRA have ceased to meet in the context of the pandemic. From what we have heard about how communication standards currently stand, decision-makers in devolved nations have come to … Read more
Government Response
The government's response does not directly address why Ministerial Implementation Groups and COBRA ceased to meet or what consultation occurred with devolved governments prior to this decision. It also does not outline how decisions about the pandemic have been formally discussed with devolved nations or how regular inter-nation communication has been guaranteed, instead discussing the general role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.
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4 Recommendation Deferred
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
Looking to the future, Ministers must outline, in response to this report, their plans for...
Looking to the future, Ministers must outline, in response to this report, their plans for the coronavirus Cabinet Committees, [Covid-19 Operations Committee and COVID-19 Strategy Committee] and how those Committees will incorporate the priorities of the devolved nations. In view … Read more
Government Response
The government deferred a response to the detailed recommendations on devolved nation representation and staffing of COVID-19 Cabinet Committees, stating it would be premature and that these would be considered during an independent inquiry. It also mentioned that preparedness for future emergencies in Scotland is primarily a devolved matter.
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5 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
We have also noted that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has not been used as...
We have also noted that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) has not been used as a method of intergovernmental communication throughout the pandemic, although we have heard suggestions that it would not have been fit for purpose in the COVID-19 … Read more
Government Response
The government's response details the commitment to undertaking a detailed evaluation of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, with reports due in 2021 and 2022, completely unrelated to the recommendation about intergovernmental communication mechanisms.
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6 Recommendation Deferred
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
We also recommend that the Government explain to us how it will incorporate concerns about...
We also recommend that the Government explain to us how it will incorporate concerns about the resilience and suitability of current IGR structures (particularly the JMC) into its ongoing review of Intergovernmental Relations.
Government Response
The government states that a response explaining how it will incorporate concerns about IGR structures into its ongoing review will be produced in the coming weeks.
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7 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
Evidence heard on the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland...
Evidence heard on the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (Scotland Office) echoes the findings of the previous Committee, which found that Scottish and UK Ministerial counterparts preferred to communicate directly, rather than via the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the Committee's conclusion regarding the Scotland Office's role, stating it is carefully considering the pilot findings and will provide further information in due course.
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
The Government must specify and define a clear role for the Office of the Secretary...
The Government must specify and define a clear role for the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland in the context of COVID-19 and similar UK-wide emergencies. We understand that the Department is committed to being Scotland’s voice in … Read more
Government Response
The government's response discusses the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendations on the Shortage Occupation List and encourages the Scottish Government to attract residents, but it does not address the recommendation regarding the role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland in UK-wide emergencies or intergovernmental communication.
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9 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
Communication on a scientific level appears to have been regular and consistent between the four...
Communication on a scientific level appears to have been regular and consistent between the four nations. Transparency around SAGE has improved with the publication of its membership and minutes. However, it is unclear whether the advice given by SAGE and … Read more
Government Response
The government's response is irrelevant, detailing the launch of a UK Trade Hub in Edinburgh and progress on trade deals, without addressing the committee's observations about transparency of scientific advice during the pandemic.
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10 Recommendation Not Addressed
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
We call on the UK and Scottish Governments to provide details of the procedures and...
We call on the UK and Scottish Governments to provide details of the procedures and processes used by their advisory groups for providing scientific advice. A commitment to transparency around scientific advice would provide the public and Parliament with the … Read more
Government Response
The government's response does not provide details of the procedures and processes used by its scientific advisory groups for providing advice, as recommended. Instead, the response discusses general pandemic preparedness and appears to address a separate recommendation concerning messaging clarity across the nations.
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11 Recommendation Accepted
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
In addition, we recommend that both the UK and Scottish Governments should consider increasing the...
In addition, we recommend that both the UK and Scottish Governments should consider increasing the number of ‘on the ground’ public health officials in key advisory roles to complement the expertise of academics.
Government Response
The government states that SAGE already has strong representation from public health officials and provides details on existing scientific advisory structures and information sharing, but does not commit to increasing their number.
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12 Conclusion Accepted
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
The concept of the Joint Biosecurity Centre has been broadly welcomed by the witnesses we...
The concept of the Joint Biosecurity Centre has been broadly welcomed by the witnesses we heard from, particularly the opportunity for the sharing and development of data sets. However, some questions around the role of the Centre remain, particularly how … Read more
Government Response
The government confirmed that UK and Scottish Governments agreed and enacted secondary legislation allowing the Joint Biosecurity Centre to carry out functions in Scotland, directly addressing concerns about devolved nation involvement.
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report: Coronavirus and Scot…
The Government must answer a range of outstanding questions in relation to the Joint Biosecurity...
The Government must answer a range of outstanding questions in relation to the Joint Biosecurity Centre, including: the Government’s assessment of the benefits of establishing such a Centre for all four nations, how the devolved administrations will contribute and who … Read more
Government Response
The government explains the rationale for the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) operating across the UK and confirms that UK and Scottish Governments agreed on secondary legislation for the JBC to carry out functions in Scotland. However, it does not specifically provide a detailed assessment of the benefits for all four nations, how devolved administrations will contribute in general, or precisely who in the Scottish Government will have the opportunity to do so.
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1 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
We agree with Professor Nicola McEwen that trust is an essential ingredient for intergovernmental relations,...
We agree with Professor Nicola McEwen that trust is an essential ingredient for intergovernmental relations, and it is clear that trust needs to develop between the UK and Scottish Governments. This takes effort from both sides. Holding regular, formal, structured, … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the need for new formal, structured, and minuted intergovernmental meetings, stating that existing regular, but less formal, interactions between ministers and scientific advisors are sufficient.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
We welcome the review of intergovernmental working and look forward to seeing the results of...
We welcome the review of intergovernmental working and look forward to seeing the results of the report. We intend to return to this issue later in the Parliament.
Government Response
The government confirms its commitment to concluding the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) review, provides an update on recent discussions with Devolved Administrations, and details new measures being implemented to enhance transparency, reporting, and parliamentary engagement on IGR.
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
The evidence we received covering the general role of the Office of the Secretary of...
The evidence we received covering the general role of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland has been helpful. We look forward to hearing a response to the recommendation in the interim report about the specific role of … Read more
Government Response
The government describes the existing activities and engagement of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland during the pandemic, including advising on agreements and providing information to HMT, arguing that its effective role often takes place quietly.
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4 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
We recommend that the lessons learned from Exercise Cygnus in relation to intergovernmental working, specifically...
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 … Read more
Government Response
The government states that lessons from Exercise Cygnus regarding intergovernmental working have already been implemented. It defers responding to the specific recommendations for the COVID-19 public inquiry's terms of reference, including a Scotland-focused section on intergovernmental relations, until the appropriate time.
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5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
The evidence we have received suggests that the economic support packages provided by both the...
The evidence we have received suggests that the economic support packages provided by both the UK and Scottish Governments have been effective. Nonetheless, we believe that there is a case for conducting a review of the impacts of these packages, … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to undertaking detailed evaluations of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). CJRS evaluation findings will be published by the end of 2021, but the SEISS evaluation will not be possible until 2022 due to data availability, thus partly missing the committee's recommended timeline.
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6 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
The Government response to our predecessor Committee’s report on Immigration and Scotland is now more...
The Government response to our predecessor Committee’s report on Immigration and Scotland is now more than two years overdue. While we acknowledge the exceptional pressures on the Government in recent years, a delay of this length is wholly unacceptable. The … Read more
Government Response
The government states the overdue response will be produced "in the coming weeks," implicitly deferring the specific deadline of "no later than the end of 2020."
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7 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
The Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme is vital for the Scottish food sector, the pandemic highlighted...
The Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme is vital for the Scottish food sector, the pandemic highlighted that there is not the local take-up for these seasonal roles. We believe that not having enough people to harvest Scottish food puts an important … Read more
Government Response
The government is carefully considering the pilot's findings and will provide further information in due course, without committing to an increase in numbers for the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme.
Scotland Office
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8 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
We acknowledge there are staffing issues for the health and social care sector and that...
We acknowledge there are staffing issues for the health and social care sector and that the Migration Advisory Committee did not have enough information when making the decisions about the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland. We welcome the recent development … Read more
Government Response
The UK government is deferring immediate acceptance of the recommendation to include all key health and social care workers on the Shortage Occupation List for Scotland, stating it will scrutinise them for consideration in 2021. It supports the recommendation for the Scottish Government to encourage more migrants to Scotland, noting the SG has the levers for this.
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9 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those...
Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those key export sectors ought to be a major concern of both the UK and Scottish Governments. We have heard about the huge reduction in exports … Read more
Government Response
The government describes existing and ongoing actions to support Scottish exports, including the launch of a UK Trade Hub in Edinburgh to help businesses grow internationally and progress on new trade agreements.
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10 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - Coronavirus and Sc…
We recommend that when the UK Government plans for future pandemics it considers all three...
We recommend that when the UK Government plans for future pandemics it considers all three areas—immigration, supply chain and exports—as part of the whole picture. Where responsibility is devolved to Scotland, the UK Government and Scottish Government should work closely … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has long recognized the threat of pandemics and involved Devolved Administrations in past planning, citing the 2011 UK Influenza Preparedness Strategy and their involvement in Exercise Cygnus and the Coronavirus Act. The response focuses on existing coordination and past efforts, without committing to new annual reviews or explicitly outlining how future plans will specifically integrate immigration, supply chain, and exports.
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Government Response AI assessment · 22 of 16 classified
Accepted 6
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 2
Deferred 6
Not Addressed 6
Rejected 1
Total 16 recs + 6 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
4 Nov 2020 Follow-up email from the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, relating to current priorities and calling for a clear timetable for implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act, 25 September 2020
Parliament page
15 Oct 2020 To committee Letter from Gillian McGregor, Director, Scotland Office, re: Coronavirus and Scotland: Interim Report on Intergovernmental Working, 7-10-20
Parliament page
8 Oct 2020 Correspondence with the Secretary of State for Scotland, follow-up to evidence session of 17 September, 24-09-20 and 5-10-20
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22 Jun 2020 To committee Letter from the interim Chief Medical Officer for Scotland providing additional information on Coronavirus and Scottish Care Homes, 16-06-20
Parliament page
22 Jun 2020 From committee Letter to the interim Chief Medical Officer for Scotland requesting additional information in relation to Coronavirus and Scottish Care Homes, 3-06-20
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