Response published to UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Module 2 report.
Measures to ensure people will be
better informed in future emergencies are
included in the Scottish Government's official response
to the UK
Covid-19 inquiry's report on UK
core decision-making and political governance during the
pandemic.
Of the Inquiry's 14 recommendations relevant to Scotland, the
Scottish Government accepts five in full, five in principle and
welcomes four recommendations for the UK Government to lead on
which require further discussion.
Actions include publishing technical advice
during future crises, so people can easily see the
evidence and reasoning behind how decisions are made.
An accessible
communications action plan is
being developed, including for
press conferences to continue to
be interpreted in British Sign Language
and key information translated into
widely
spoken languages. Additional support
will be put in place for scientific and expert advisers to
government including access to personal and online security
advice and procedures for escalating concerns.
The actions expand on work already under way in response to the
Inquiry's report for Module 1, which examined resilience and
preparedness across the UK.
Regular progress updates on
the response actions will be
published online.
Deputy First Minister
said:
“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.
“I am very grateful to members of the Covid
Inquiries Response Engagement Group which I have been
privileged to chair. The group brings together
organisations supporting those most affected by the pandemic,
including bereaved families, disabled people, minority
ethnic communities and older people and has
provided invaluable challenge and insight to help inform the
Scottish Government's response.
“The clear changes and actions we have
set out in our response will make a real difference to
how Scotland responds to future emergencies.”
Background
UK Covid-19 Inquiry - Module 2
report: Scottish Government response - gov.scot
The Covid Inquiries Response
Engagement Group (CIREG) was set up to
support the Scottish Government's work in responding to
recommendations from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's Module 2
report, which was published on 20 November 2025.
