Scottish ministers should attend Cobra in future UK emergencies, inquiry says

The UK Government should invite ministers from Holyrood and the other devolved administrations to take part in Cobra meetings “as a matter of standard practice” in the event of future emergencies which could impact the whole United Kingdom.

The recommendation, which has been welcomed by the Scottish Government, was made by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

In a report focused on decision making and political government during the pandemic, it said that both ministers and officials from the devolved nations should attend at Cobra meetings “in the event of relevant, whole-system, civil emergencies that have the potential to have UK-wide effects”.

The inquiry also said in a future emergency the UK Government and devolved nations should “routinely publish” advice on scientific, economic and social matters “at the earliest opportunity”.

While the Scottish Government accepted this recommendation, it said it had a “significant concern” about another recommendation, that the UK Government and the devolved governments should each develop an online portal for use in future civil emergencies “where members of the public can access information on the legal restrictions that apply in their area and any associated guidance”.

The Scottish Government said it would work with the other parts of the UK to ensure the public “can find relevant and the most up-to-date guidance and information, including on legal restrictions relevant to them, in a future civil emergency situation”.

But it added: “There is significant concern about whether a single portal would be able to account for the complexities of information ownership, the significance of devolved decision-making, and geographic differences of trust in government.”

Overall, of the 14 recommendations the inquiry made which are relevant to Scotland, the Scottish Government accepted five in full, along with five in principle.

Meanwhile, a further four recommendations, which are for the UK Government to lead on, were welcomed.

Speaking as the Scottish Government published its response to the inquiry report, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said that the “clear changes and actions” set out would “make a real difference to how Scotland responds to future emergencies”.

Ms Forbes stressed: “My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the pandemic, those who continue to feel its impact and families who lost loved ones.

“It is vital that we learn lessons and make improvements, recognising the loss, hurt and suffering experienced by so many.”