A fresh collection of UK-wide principles for pandemic readiness has been released.

The principles, created together by all four nations of the UK, are intended to enhance cooperation and robustness when confronting future health emergencies.

Wales’ cabinet secretary for health and social care Jeremy Miles stated that the Principles for Pandemic Preparedness, developed and approved by all four UK nations, were being released. He noted this was a significant document that would help ensure Wales was better equipped should a future pandemic or crisis occur.

The principles build upon lessons learned from the pandemic and are informed by conclusions from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry along with preliminary outcomes from Exercise Pegasus.

Exercise Pegasus, the largest civilian exercise ever conducted in the UK, is also referenced with early findings included. It assessed how effectively the government could respond swiftly and adequately during an extended emergency.

Mr Miles observed that the Covid-19 pandemic had emphasised the necessity for unified approaches.

He stated that the pandemic and initial findings from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry had shown how vital it was for the four UK governments to collaborate in a coordinated fashion while honouring devolution and the distinct requirements of each UK nation during a national public health crisis.

The document outlines current areas of UK-wide cooperation, including shared monitoring systems operated by the UK Health Security Agency alongside public health organisations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

It also references prior coordinated purchasing of vaccines, treatments, and protective equipment, as well as utilisation of common data platforms.

The fresh principles establish a basis for expanded cooperation and a more effective response to future pandemics.

Mr Miles said the principles being released today offered a solid foundation for advancing collaboration, reflecting a mutual dedication to ensuring the UK was better prepared to tackle future pandemic challenges.

Findings from Exercise Pegasus are anticipated to be made public by both the UK and Welsh Governments in late 2026.