MPs warn UK ‘is not ready’ for infectious disease emergencies

A government committee has warned that the UK needs to learn from the recent Ebola outbreak if it is to prevent future infectious disease emergencies.

The Science and Technology Committee has expressed concerns that the Ebola epidemic exposed the UK's lack of readiness for such outbreaks, making it necessary to mobilise scientific expertise and manufacture vaccines more effectively in future.

Criticisms were levelled at the delays involved in escalating Public Health England's disease surveillance data to convening a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, and for the lack of readiness to research and develop a vaccine.

The rationale behind and communication of the introduction of Ebola screening at UK ports of entry was also called into question, as Britain's stance on implementing screening changed a number of times and ultimately went against guidance from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.

Nicola Blackwood, chair of the Science and Technology Committee, said: "We must take the opportunity now to ensure that the UK is not caught unprepared when the next disease emergency strikes. Lives can be lost for every day of delay."