Covid Inquiry Reveals Sturgeon’s Decision-Making Flaws

The recently concluded Covid inquiry has shed light on the decision-making processes of UK politicians during the pandemic, particularly focusing on Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland. The inquiry's findings reveal a concerning lack of transparency and a tendency to exclude senior advisers from critical discussions, raising questions about accountability and governance during a national crisis.

The inquiry discovered that Nicola Sturgeon held exclusive "gold command meetings" with a select group of advisers, which limited the participation of other senior officials in the decision-making process. This approach not only diminished transparency but also affected accountability within her administration. The report stated, "The Scottish cabinet became a decision-ratifying body and not the ultimate decision-making body," which indicated that crucial discussions were often held outside the purview of the broader cabinet.

Despite being described as a "serious and diligent leader who took responsibility for decisions," Sturgeon was criticized for not incorporating a wider range of perspectives. The inquiry emphasized that greater involvement from the Scottish cabinet would have improved transparency and accountability for decisions made during the crisis.

The report did not solely focus on Sturgeon, as it also criticized former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for fostering a "toxic and chaotic" culture that resulted in delayed decisions, ultimately costing lives. The inquiry highlighted a systemic failure among all four UK governments to grasp the severity of the situation and the risks posed by Covid-19.

The report pointed out that leaders from devolved nations, including Sturgeon, share responsibility for misjudgments that contributed to the pandemic's impact. It stated, "There was a serious failure by all four governments to appreciate the level of risk and the calamity that the UK faced," emphasizing a collective negligence in leadership.

In Wales, the inquiry found that the Covid death rate was exacerbated by the delayed implementation of restrictions. The Welsh government had been advised on 5 October 2020 regarding the necessity for further restrictions but did not enforce a two-week "firebreak" lockdown until 23 October, during a period when Wales had the highest age-standardized mortality rate among the four nations.

Mark Drakeford, the former First Minister of Wales, expressed his initial belief that the UK government would take charge of the pandemic response. However, the report criticized the Welsh government for its failure to recognize the gravity of the situation in early 2020, asserting that it should have taken proactive measures to prepare for the crisis.

The inquiry was particularly harsh on Northern Ireland's pandemic response, describing it as "deeply divided along political lines and beset by leaks," leading to an incoherent strategy. Political disputes between ministers from the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin hampered effective decision-making, resulting in a pattern of "too little, too late" actions.

Moreover, the inquiry highlighted incidents that heightened tensions within the executive committee, such as the attendance of then deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey in June 2020. Her initial refusal to apologize for this attendance was noted as a significant factor contributing to the discord among ministers during a critical time.

The inquiry underscored the importance of public trust during a crisis, stating, "The very least the public should be entitled to expect is that those making the rules will abide by them." Instances where ministers and advisers appeared to breach Covid-19 rules further eroded public confidence in the leadership.

In response to the findings, Nicola Sturgeon defended her approach, asserting that her cabinet was fully engaged in the decision-making process. She pointed to minutes from meetings that indicated the cabinet's involvement was not merely a formality. However, the inquiry's conclusions suggest that a more inclusive decision-making framework could have fostered better outcomes during the pandemic.

The Covid inquiry has provided a critical assessment of the leadership and decision-making during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. The findings regarding Nicola Sturgeon and other UK leaders highlight the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance. As the nations reflect on the lessons learned from the pandemic, it is essential for leaders to prioritize collective decision-making and public trust in future crises.