Covid-19: UK-wide Discussions

Lord Eames Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord True [V]]

My Lords, I fear that I am not a specialist in aviation matters, but I will write to the noble Lord on this important topic.

[Lord Eames (CB) [V]]

My Lords, at present, who in government is responsible for co-ordinating contact with the devolved nations? Lately, on at least one occasion, one of the devolved Administrations learned of a policy decision by central government involving public health issues from the media. Is that acceptable?

[Lord True [V]]

My Lords, good communication should always be striven for. That is the Government’s objective. At the outset of the crisis, the United Kingdom Government established a Cabinet committee structure to deal with the health, economic, public sector and international impacts of Covid-19 on behalf of the whole of the UK. Ministers from the devolved Administrations have regularly been invited to participate in these discussions. We are certainly committed to ensuring that the Administrations are informed and involved at every stage.