UK Covid-19 Inquiry - Module 1 report: progress update - January 2026

2. Cabinet Office Leadership

Recommendation Two – Cabinet office leadership for whole-system civil emergencies in the UK

Chair’s recommendation:

The UK Government should:

• Abolish the lead government department model for whole-system civil emergency preparedness and resilience; and
• Require the Cabinet Office to lead on preparing for and building resilience to whole-system civil emergencies across the UK Government departments, including monitoring the preparedness and resilience of other departments, supporting departments to correct problems, and escalating issues to the UK Cabinet-level ministerial committee and group of senior officials in Recommendation 1.

Commentary:

This recommendation remains for the UK Government to consider and implement. The Scottish Government values the existing good working relationships with

our UK Government and devolved government counterparts. Any change in approach considered by the UK Government in response to this recommendation would need to take into account devolved responsibilities for managing certain emergencies, and their impacts. The Scottish Government should be consulted on, and remain informed of, any proposed changes to existing structures.