Joint Biosecurity Centre

The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) is a scientific body which develops and implements UK government policy as part of the response to outbreaks of COVID-19. Its existence was announced by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May 2020.[1][2]

Leadership

Tom Hurd held the chief position from May 2020 to June 2020, when he was replaced by Dr Clare Gardiner. [3]

On 17 October 2020, it came to light that Dr Thomas Waite was in charge of the Health Protection bureau at JBC.[4]

History

In October 2020, it came to light that one of the responsibilities of the JBC was "the local lockdowns enforced on millions of people across the country".[5]

The JBC made the news in October 2020 when it was the subject of discussion over the secrecy to which it was entitled. Certain MPs and scientists then demanded that the minutes and the membership of the JBC be published.[5]

On 17 October 2020, it came to light that the JBC was responsible for the recent decisions to lockdown London, York and other areas. Certain MPs were upset that the JBC failed to publish neither its analysis nor its argument. Even its premises were shielded from view by its Health Protection bureau chief.[4]

References
  1. Dan Sabbagh and Ian Sample, Senior counter-terror official put in charge of new UK biosecurity centre, The Guardian, 12 May 2020. Accessed 24 May 2020.
  2. "Joint Biosecurity Centre" (Press release). London: www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  3. "Senior civil servant and former lecturer in medical statistics appointed to Joint Biosecurity Centre" (Press release). London: www.gov.uk. Department of Health and Social Care. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
  4. Adams, Callum (17 October 2020). "Director of 'secretive' scientific body placing cities into lockdown accused of hypocrisy". Telegraph Media Group Limited.
  5. Gardner, Bill (11 October 2020). "Call to end secrecy of body driving UK's new Covid lockdowns". Telegraph Media Group Limited.
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