CLTR's Biosecurity Policy Manager, Sophie Rose, recently authored a submission of evidence to the UK Government’s public inquiry into the UK’s preparations for, and response to, the COVID-19 pandemic
In the wake of COVID-19, the UK must take steps to improve preparedness for the full spectrum of future biological threats. The submission makes five key recommendations for strengthening the UK’s approach to biosecurity:
(i) Identify the UK Government departments, teams and positions responsible for preventing, detecting or responding to deliberate or accidental biological threats.
(ii) Task UKHSA with the development of a comprehensive strategy for rapidly identifying and responding to novel pathogens.
(iii) Expand MoD’s investment into R&D for tools and technology that can aid in the detection, characterisation or mitigation of the full spectrum of biological threats.
(iv) Task UKHSA with directing a cross-sectoral scoping exercise to identify existing surveillance systems and gaps where additional infrastructure or emerging technologies can add the most value.
(v) The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) should facilitate the transparent reporting of laboratory accidents, serious incidents and the timing and results of high-containment (e.g. CL-3 & -4) lab inspections and audit their findings annually.
Read the full submission below: