Independent Sage scientists to join climate crisis battle

Sir David King's temporary organisation, formed in response to government's Covid policy failings, will fight on

It began in the summer when a group of scientists decided to give the government a short, sharp lesson on how to use scientific advice in a transparent manner when tackling Covid-19. Once they had done that, the men and women of the Independent Sage organisation intended to disband.

But now the group, led by former government chief scientist Sir David King, is considering a move six months after its formation that would allow Independent Sage to fight on for years to come - but with an expanded agenda. This time it is considering a plan to hold ministers to account over a range of issues, including the UK's attempts to tackle the climate crisis.