Transparency is key in a crisis - so why isn't the British government being straight with us? | Stephen Reicher

Contrary to popular belief, people rarely panic in dangerous situations. Withholding information is patronising and counter-productive

• Stephen Reicher is a member of the Sage subcommittee advising the government on behavioural science
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You might assume that during a time of crisis it's important for governments to hold information close to their chest. Surely, in the midst of a life and death struggle, the priority is to be pragmatic and effective. In such circumstances, openness is simply a luxury we can't afford.

But openness is not a luxury, or an abstract principle to be set against more pressing needs. In fact, it's a crucial component in the struggle to defeat illness. For a number of reasons, this is rarely appreciated by governments.