Wales to join largest UK wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn

Wales is set to participate in the largest UK-wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s preparedness for future emergencies.

The commitment comes as part of the Welsh Government’s response to the first module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which examined the nation’s resilience and preparedness before the pandemic.

Welsh Government Action

 

First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted the government’s dedication to improving emergency preparedness:

“Our priority is to keep the people of Wales safe. We are committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and building on the existing foundations to ensure Wales is prepared for future emergencies.

“Over the past six months, we have worked with other devolved governments and the UK Government to carefully consider and begin implementing these important recommendations from the inquiry.

“This will include Wales playing a full role in the major exercise this Autumn to test the UK’s capabilities, plans, and procedures to prepare for possible future pandemics.”

To oversee Wales’ involvement, a new Wales Coordination Group will be established.

The group will include representatives from key organisations at national and local levels, reflecting the exercise’s broad scope.

Strengthened Preparedness in Wales

The Welsh Government has made significant changes to enhance emergency response capabilities, including:

• Seeking independent advice to improve civil contingencies systems.
• Establishing new emergency response structures and data systems.
• Introducing Wales’ first comprehensive risk register to guide emergency services and responders.
• Conducting regular preparedness exercises and enhancing collaboration with the UK Government and devolved administrations.

UK-Wide Pandemic Response Exercise

The pandemic exercise, the first of its kind in nearly a decade, will test the UK’s readiness to respond to future pandemics.

It will involve thousands of participants, including senior ministers, local resilience forums as well as the devolved governments.

The exercise will take place over several months in Autumn 2025 and will focus on testing protocols, plans, and procedures.

Lessons learned from the exercise will be shared publicly, as recommended by the Covid-19 Inquiry.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, emphasised the importance of preparedness:

“We must learn lessons from the Covid pandemic as we cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. But we will plan in a way that recognises the next crisis may not be the same as the last.”

Support for Vulnerable Groups

The UK Government is introducing measures to better support vulnerable groups, many of whom were disproportionately impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A new Risk Vulnerability Tool, developed by the Cabinet Office and the Office for National Statistics, will map the UK’s most vulnerable populations based on data such as age, disability, and care needs.

This tool will help target local support before and during emergencies.

Training and Emergency Alerts

Over 4,000 resilience and emergency workers will be trained annually through the UK Resilience Academy, beginning in April.

The training will focus on managing a range of crises, including pandemics, using updated National Occupational Standards.

Additionally, a national test of the Emergency Alert System will take place later in 2025.

The test, which will reach approximately 87 million devices, will ensure the system remains operational and effective in emergencies.