Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether SAGE plans to consult people with experience in (a) disability, (b) psychology and (c) psychiatry when discussing the easing of the covid-19 lockdown.

We know that some groups are particularly at risk during this difficult period. We are committed to working closely with partners from across the health and care sector, including the mental health and social care workforce.

In the case of COVID-19, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has been providing ministers and officials with expert advice based on the latest scientific evidence. The Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), who feed into SAGE, is comprised of many leading experts in the field of psychology. The composition of experts in SAGE changes to address the crisis facing the country, to reflect the expertise needed at that time. SAGE is open to input from experts outside the core group to address gaps outside their expertise when needed.