The framework entails around £1 billion of funding aimed at strengthening vaccine access, surveillance systems and national testing capacity.
The strategy, published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is in line with the Government’s formal response to the findings of the Module 2 report of the Coronavirus Inquiry, which examined decision-making and governance during the pandemic.
Commenting on the new strategy, Dan Jarvis, UK Secretary of State for Security, said: “We are right to learn lessons from the devastating impact that COVID-19 has had on health services and society. Our new Pandemic Strategy demonstrates significant improvements in the Government’s preparedness for future pandemics.”
“Whether it’s increasing supply of British vaccines or stockpiling personal protective equipment for key workers, we are working with public and private partners to take action to keep the country safe.”
Shift from influenza-focused plans
The new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy replaces the UK’s 2011 Pandemic Influenza Plan and reflects a broader approach to managing a wider range of biological threats.
The updated framework introduces a more flexible “all hazards” model designed to accommodate multiple types of pathogens, rather than focusing on a single class of viruses.
Central to this change is the All Pandemic Hazards Bill, which is expected to provide a pre-prepared legislative toolkit. The aim is to enable the rapid deployment of emergency powers and public health interventions without the delays seen with COVID-19.
Strengthening infrastructure and stockpiles
Some operational measures have already been implemented. The Government has confirmed that it will continue to expand and diversify stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid the shortages seen earlier in the pandemic.
In parallel, stockpiles of laboratory chemicals and diagnostic materials are increasing to reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions during the early stages of the pandemic. These steps are intended to ensure that your test system scales quickly.
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) will also develop enhanced capabilities for mass testing and contact tracing. This includes infrastructure designed to be activated quickly in response to emerging threats.
Data, coordination and decision making
A key lesson from COVID-19 reflected in this strategy is the need for better data integration.
The government will review how information is collected, shared and communicated with government agencies and the public. The aim is to give decision makers timely access to consistent, transparent data during a crisis.
The response to the COVID-19 investigation also outlines reforms to the advisory structure, including changes to the way scientific experts are selected for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). These updates aim to improve the robustness and independence of scientific input during emergencies.
Additionally, the new protocol will give the devolved governments more direct access to emergency briefings, allowing them to address previous concerns about the UK’s quadrilateral coordination.
Nationwide exercise influences policy
This strategy is largely based on the results of Exercise Pegasus, a large-scale simulation conducted in fall 2025.
The exercise involved all major government departments, devolved governments and regional resilience organizations responding to a hypothetical outbreak scenario over several weeks.
Insights from the exercise highlighted gaps in coordination, logistics and communication, many of which are being addressed in the new framework.
Vaccine manufacturing and supply chain resilience
The government has taken steps to strengthen domestic vaccine production capacity.
A long-term partnership with Moderna has led to the development of a vaccine research and manufacturing facility in Oxfordshire. The site is expected to play a role in ensuring rapid access to vaccines during future pandemics.
focus on vulnerable people
Another area for reform is the integration of equity considerations into emergency planning. The Government has said its response to future pandemics will place increased emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, a point reiterated in the COVID-19 Inquiry.
Taken together, the Pandemic Preparedness Strategy represents a structural reset in how the UK approaches pandemic preparedness.
While many of the measures are still in development, a combination of legislative plans, infrastructure investments, and institutional reforms signals a shift toward a more proactive, system-wide model of pandemic response.
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