Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to improve the characterisation of statistical uncertainty in his public communications on covid-19; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is committed to transparency in order to build public trust throughout the pandemic. Slides and data from press conferences are published on GOV.UK and Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies papers are routinely released once any related policies are no longer in development.

As part of this process, the Government is committed to making clear and meaningful presentation of data and estimates. This includes explaining relevant strengths and limitations of estimates, such as the extent of any uncertainty or potential biases, to support the public’s use and interpretation of the information.

Alongside other analyses, these may sometimes form part of the information and evidence informing the Government’s decision-making. As part of the Government’s commitment to transparency, all slides from press conferences, and the data behind them are published on GOV.UK.