Boris Johnson’s Approach to Meetings with Devolved Nations During the Pandemic

In his testimony to the Covid inquiry, Boris Johnson expressed his reservations about holding regular meetings with the First Ministers of the devolved nations, Mark Drakeford and Nicola Sturgeon, during the pandemic. The former UK Prime Minister’s comments shed light on the dynamics of cooperation between the central government and the devolved administrations.

Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, had expressed frustration over the frequency of meetings with the UK government. However, Boris Johnson was concerned that close collaboration with the First Ministers could give the impression of a “mini-EU of four nations.” He believed that this was not in line with the principles of devolution in the UK.

Devolution in the UK grants Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland their own governments with varying degrees of control over their affairs. These entities, known as the devolved administrations, had the authority to implement their own lockdown rules, which often diverged from the UK government’s approach in England as the pandemic progressed.

Initially, Boris Johnson chaired emergency COBR (Cabinet Office Briefing Room) meetings with the leaders of the devolved nations at the onset of the pandemic. Later, he delegated this responsibility to Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. In his written evidence to the inquiry, Johnson explained his decision, stating that he was content to let Gove lead these meetings due to both practical and principled reasons.

He argued that it was “optically wrong” for the UK Prime Minister to hold regular meetings with the First Ministers of the devolved administrations, as it could create the impression of a federal structure similar to the European Union. In federalism, power is more evenly distributed between central and regional governments. However, in the UK, ultimate power still rests with the central government in Westminster, despite the devolved nations having the authority to make certain decisions.

Mark Drakeford had written to the UK government in April 2020, requesting regular meetings between the devolved nations and the Westminster government. However, there was a difference of opinion within the government regarding how to handle the devolved authorities. Some ministers were concerned that regular meetings might not lead to agreement on COVID-19 approaches.

During a meeting of UK government ministers, concerns were raised that regular meetings with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland could be a “potential federalist trojan horse.” Boris Johnson’s former adviser, Dominic Cummings, suggested that the Prime Minister should chair daily meetings from Downing Street’s Cabinet Room instead of conducting meetings with the devolved administrations over the phone.

Politics expert Professor Ailsa Henderson of Edinburgh University, who spoke at the Covid inquiry, highlighted a “fear of federalism” and perceived self-serving motives in the devolved administrations. She described the minutes of the UK government ministers’ meeting as “the most remarkable document” and noted that there was no suggestion that involving more voices from various parts of the UK could improve decision-making.

Boris Johnson also expressed regret in his testimony for not using civil contingencies legislation instead of public health legislation for COVID-19 laws. This decision would have ensured that only the UK government could decide on COVID-19 rules, preventing the devolved governments from pursuing their own policies.

The testimony of the former Welsh health minister, Vaughan Gething, indicated that the meetings between governments were not characterized by open discussions treating other governments as equals. These revelations shed light on the complex interplay of powers and dynamics between the UK government and the devolved administrations during the pandemic.