Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Data Transparency and Accountability: Covid-19

18 March 2021 · 10 other contributors

Opened by William Wragg Con Constituency

Parliamentary ProcedureNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

William Wragg raised concerns about data transparency and accountability: covid-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister William Wragg presented the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee report on government transparency and accountability during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The report noted issues with inconsistent publication of SAGE minutes and delayed information dissemination to local leaders
  • The report highlighted a lack of clear decision-making frameworks in government responses to the pandemic

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

William Wragg

William Wragg presented the latest report of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on government transparency and accountability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report acknowledges the Government's efforts in data collection but highlights issues such as inconsistent publication of SAGE minutes, delayed dissemination of critical information to local leaders, and a lack of clear decision-making frameworks. The Minister emphasised the importance of transparent data sharing for public trust and effective governance, noting that delays and inconsistencies have undermined public confidence. He also criticised the use of reasonable worst-case scenarios in communications, which may have induced fear rather than fostering compliance. The report recommends strengthening the ministerial code to require adherence to the UK Statistics Authority's code of practice and emphasises the need for clear accountability within government departments.

Other contributors (10)
  • Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

    Question

    The hon. Member referred to evidence about data sharing locally and the Government’s decision to set up new organisations. The British Medical Association stated that 'Our devastating mortality figures could in part be a result of the failure of the Government to... share data'. With infection rates still variable across the country, how does the hon. Member think we can ensure that the Government learn from these lessons and include local experts as we come out of lockdown?

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged the importance of involving existing local expertise and infrastructure fully in future pandemic responses, noting that mistrust within Whitehall may have hindered collaboration with local health authorities.

  • Nicola Richards

    Question

    Congratulates the Committee's report on its emphasis on data availability to the public. Suggests that honesty about uncertainty is key to maintaining trust.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with the need for clarity, openness and honesty about uncertainties in enhancing public trust.

  • Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South

    Question

    Highlights frustration among businesses due to lack of information on decisions affecting them. Asks if timely publication of data used for decision-making can help rebuild trust with businesses.

    Minister reply

    Agrees that publishing evidence showing why venues are not covid-secure, despite efforts made by some businesses, is necessary.

  • Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

    Question

    Welcomes the report and calls for evidence-based decision-making. Asks if data and rationale should be provided to pubs in South West Herts that have invested heavily in making themselves covid-secure.

    Minister reply

    Agrees that data justifying why venues cannot reopen on 12 April should be published.

  • Peter Grant

    Question

    Commends the Committee for their thorough report and asks if arrangements for enforcing ministerial code are fit for purpose.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the need to integrate UK Statistics Authority code of practice with ministerial code for accurate data presentation.

  • Tom Randall

    Question

    Thanks the Chair for their statement and acknowledges that more work is needed in improving data presentation.

    Minister reply

    Agrees that strengthening the ministerial code to integrate UK Statistics Authority guidelines will help improve confidence in data-based decisions.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Question

    Thanks for acknowledging difficulties faced by hospitality sector due to lack of data. Asks if events research programme should publish data and evidence.

    Minister reply

    Agrees that all evidence and data from the summer study on nightclubs and festivals reopening should be published.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Question

    Asks why Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster did not appear before Committee. Inquires about Government's hesitancy to share data with local authorities.

    Minister reply

    Hopes that publication of this report serves as a reminder for Ministers to accept invitations to appear in front of Committees and discusses measures taken by the Government.

  • Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South

    Question

    Welcomes the Committee's report on tiering decisions. Asks about the view on the consultation process and recommendations for improvement.

    Minister reply

    Suggests that publication of data thresholds is vital so areas can judge why tiering decisions are necessary.

Shadow Comment

Karin Smyth

Karin Smyth questioned the Government’s data sharing practices during the pandemic, citing evidence that the failure to share data adequately could have contributed to high mortality rates. She emphasised the need for better inclusion and trust in local expertise as Britain emerges from lockdown.

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