Improving information in future emergencies
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 Kate Forbes 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.