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Emergencies

Asked by Johanna BaxterLabourCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 2 September 2025UIN 70125

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which catastrophic risk boards are co-chaired by his Department; what the remit is for each board; which other Government departments are involved; and how frequently they meet.

Answered by Ms Abena Oppong-Asare

As outlined in the Central Government Concept of Operations for Emergency Response and Recovery (the Amber Book), the Cabinet Office have taken a stronger and more directive role in planning for catastrophic risks. The Cabinet Office co-sponsors the planning phase of catastrophic risks with the Lead Government Department (LGD), including through co-chairing of catastrophic risk boards.

The Cabinet Office works with LGDs to agree which boards it would be appropriate to co-chair on a case by case basis. The Cabinet Office and LGDs work closely with representatives from the other relevant departments, agencies and, where appropriate, the Devolved Governments in preparing for catastrophic risks.

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