MPs hear of ‘structural’ issues with Sage advice to ministers

Something about the system leads to delays in decision-making, governance expert says

Experts have criticised the way the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies fits in with UK government policymaking, suggesting there are structural issues with the way the system is put together that make it inefficient at times.

“We’ve got phenomenally eminent scientists and policymakers but the way all of that has come together has at times led to unnecessary delays, not just on the big lockdown decisions but on things around facemasks or other [issues],” Alex Thomas, programme director at the Institute for Government, told MPs.