Inquiry to scrutinise move away from 'four nations' Covid-19 approach

A group of MPs will look at the “increasing divergence” between the Scottish and UK Governments in tackling coronavirus.

The Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster will hold an inquiry on Thursday looking at Covid-19 and how effective the so-called four nations approach has been.

There have been differences in recent days, with the UK Government ditching the key “stay at home” message while it continues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The committee, which will hear from Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in its first session on Thursday, will also look at how effective UK Government support schemes have been in helping businesses and individuals in Scotland.

Announcing the inquiry, committee chairman Pete Wishart said: “The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health issue that Scotland has ever confronted, taking its toll on individuals and businesses nationwide.

“The UK Government and devolved administrations came together to confront this crisis and the four nations approach has been the foundation of how the pandemic has been tackled.

“Our inquiry will scrutinise how this four-nation approach has operated and examine its effect on operational issues in Scotland.”

He added: “As we consider leaving lockdown, we will examine the increasing divergence in policy and messaging and consider what impact this will have on the Scottish public.”

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