First Report: Coronavirus and Scotland: Interim Report on Intergovernmental Working

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.