Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what mechanism will replace the EU Early Warning and Response system on pandemics after the end of the transition period.  [45948]

[Due for Answer on 18 May. Answered on 20 May.]  

REDIRECTION: On 13 May, the Department for International Trade sought to transfer this Question to the Department of Health and Social Care.

HOLDING ANSWER: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care (Jo Churchill): The United Kingdom uses a range of international information-sharing systems to monitor global health threats, including the European Union’s Early Warning and Response System.

As set out in the UK's approach to negotiations with the EU published on 27 February, the UK is open to exploring cooperation in other specific and narrowly-defined areas, where this is in the interests of both sides, for example on health security. The detail of the UK’s future relationship with the EU on health security is subject to the outcome of ongoing negotiations.

The UK will maintain its domestic health protection system following the end of the Transition Period through continued access to international systems and we will continue to work alongside other countries and multilateral groups on the response to the COVID-19 and other future cross-border health threats.