Inquiry Critiques Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid Decision-Making Process

An inquiry into the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed that former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon excluded senior advisers from critical decision-making processes. According to the findings, Sturgeon held “gold command meetings” with a limited circle of officials, which diminished transparency and accountability during the crisis. The report highlights a broader failure among UK political leaders to adequately assess the risks posed by the pandemic.

The inquiry’s findings were particularly scathing towards Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister, who was criticized for fostering a “toxic and chaotic” environment that led to delayed decisions, ultimately costing lives. Alongside the UK government, leaders from the devolved nations faced scrutiny, with the report stating, “there was a serious failure by all four governments to appreciate the level of risk and the calamity that the UK faced.”

Sturgeon’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

While the inquiry acknowledged Sturgeon as a “serious and diligent leader who took responsibility for decisions,” it emphasized her failure to involve other senior decision-makers effectively. It noted that the Scottish cabinet had become “a decision-ratifying body and not the ultimate decision-making body,” which limited the diversity of perspectives in crucial discussions.

The report argued that greater involvement from the Scottish cabinet could have ensured enhanced transparency and accountability for decisions made by the gold command structure. It stated, “This would have ensured greater transparency and enhanced accountability for decisions taken by the gold command and, increasingly, Ms Sturgeon.”

In response, Sturgeon defended her actions, stating that her cabinet was “fully involved in the decision-making.” She referenced minutes from the meetings to support her claim, arguing that they reflected a collaborative process rather than a mere formality.

Challenges in Other Regions

The inquiry also examined the responses of the Welsh and Northern Irish governments. In Wales, it was revealed that the Covid death rate was exacerbated by delayed restrictions. The Welsh government was advised on October 5, 2020, that further measures were necessary but did not implement a two-week “firebreak” lockdown until October 23, 2020. During this period, Wales had the highest age-standardised mortality rate among the four UK nations.

Former First Minister Mark Drakeford acknowledged that he initially expected the UK government to lead the pandemic response. However, the inquiry concluded that the Welsh government should have recognized the severity of the situation much earlier and taken proactive steps to prepare.

The report was critical of the pandemic response in Northern Ireland as well, citing a deeply divided political landscape that hindered effective decision-making. Disputes between ministers from the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin led to an incoherent approach to the crisis. The inquiry noted that, similar to other regions, Northern Ireland faced issues of “too little, too late” in its response.

Additionally, the report highlighted tensions arising from the attendance of then Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill at the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey in June 2020, which contributed to internal disputes within the executive committee. It stated, “The very least the public should be entitled to expect is that those making the rules will abide by them.”

O’Neill, now the First Minister of Northern Ireland, welcomed the inquiry’s findings, describing it as an “important milestone in the long journey of recovery after the pain and trauma of the Covid pandemic.”

The inquiry’s report serves as a significant critique of the leadership and decision-making processes across the UK during one of the most challenging public health crises in recent history.