Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the proposed changes to the International Health Regulations.

The Government of the United Kingdom is eager to ensure that countries' obligations under the IHR remain fit for purpose and reflect the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the massive failures in response to the pandemic, even though many of them were made in good faith, I find this perfectly understandable.

Measures that the Government wish to see include a stronger global commitment to effective disease surveillance, early reporting of potential health threats, and transparency in sharing information.

In regard to specific amendments, such as Article 59 and 16, I welcome that the Government supports targeted IHR amendments to ensure a suitable global framework to respond to international spread of disease, whilst strengthening preparedness and compliance. Parliament may scrutinise legislation relating to amendments accepted by the UK.

I am also very glad that the members of the World Health Organisation have recognised the significant failures of that body in responding to the coronavirus and have negotiated a new treaty to look at how best to counter threats like this.

For my part, it seems obvious now that countries like Sweden had the best approach to the pandemic. We should have focussed on supporting the most vulnerable people and helping them to self-isolate, while encouraging risk mitigation measures and allowing the rest of society to carry on as best it can.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP