UK government’s risk planning is weak and secretive, says Lords report

Chair of committee points out unpreparedness for Covid shows better anticipation of future threats is needed

Assessment and planning by the government relating to risks facing the UK are deficient and veiled in secrecy", a report has found.

The 129-page report, entitled Preparing for Extreme Risks: Building a Resilient Society, was produced by the House of Lords select committee on risk assessment and risk planning - a group appointed in October 2020.

The establishment of an Office for Preparedness and Resilience by the government, headed by a newly created post of government chief risk officer.

A presumption of publication by the government, and the publication of the content of the Official-Sensitive National Security Risk Assessment except where there is a direct national security risk.

The publication, every two years, by the government of a brochure on risk preparedness to inform the public on topics including what to do in an emergency.