Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster chairs COBR meeting

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster chaired a COBR meeting this morning, bringing together ministers and officials from the UK Government and the devolved administrations.

Ministers reviewed the latest data and a presentation from the UK Government Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser, before discussing the approaches being taken in different parts of the UK, including the new national measures that will come into force in England on Thursday. Ministers also discussed financial support, in the context of the extension of the furlough scheme and relevant Barnett consequentials.

Ministers reaffirmed the need to respect and support each others’ public health measures. The UK Government and the devolved administrations agreed on the importance of coordinating public messaging, in particular on travel both within the UK and abroad. Officials from across the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive will also work together on a joint approach to the Christmas period.

The UK Government and the devolved administrations also agreed on the importance of sharing information and data including on which interventions were successful, and on NHS capacity to support mutual aid.

It was agreed that there would be a further meeting of relevant ministers and officials later this week, and a specific discussion on international travel measures.