Covid-19 Inquiry: Module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Report – Core decision-making and political governance (20 November 2025)

Summary

The Covid-19 Inquiry published its second report and recommendations following its investigation into the ‘Core decision-making and political governance’ on Thursday 20 November 2025.

It looked into core political and administrative governance and decision-making. It includes initial response, central government decision making, political and civil service performance as well as the effectiveness of relationships with governments in the devolved administrations and local and voluntary sectors.

Content

Recommendations include:

• Broadening participation in SAGE (the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies), through open recruitment of experts and representation of devolved administrations.
• Reforming and clarifying the structures for decision-making during emergencies within each nation. Improving consideration of the impact that decisions might have on those most at risk in an emergency: changes should aim to identify any risks to vulnerable groups, in both the planning for and response to emergencies.
• Ensuring that decisions and their implications are clearly communicated to the public. Laws and guidance should be easily understood and available in accessible formats.
• Enabling greater parliamentary scrutiny of the use of emergency powers through safeguards such as time limits and regular reporting on how powers have been used.
• Establishing structures to improve the communication between the four nations during an emergency to ensure better alignment of policies where desirable and to provide a clear rationale for differences in approach where necessary.

See also:

• UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 1: The resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom
• Covid-19 Inquiry: Module 3 Report – The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the healthcare systems of the United Kingdom
• Questions around Government governance