There are concerns among some ministers that the World Health Organization (WHO) could be granted new powers to impose lockdowns on the UK in the event of another pandemic.
A draft update to WHO regulations suggests that member states, including the UK, would be required to follow specific instructions for pandemic response, such as implementing vaccine passports, border closures, and quarantine measures.
Also, countries would need to allocate five percent of their health budget to pandemic preparedness as part of a proposed “pandemic treaty” that is being discussed following the global spread of COVID-19.
However, the potential expansion of WHO powers has raised concerns among certain British MPs, who worry about the organization becoming an overreaching international authority.
Some members of the Conservative Party have urged the Foreign Office to oppose powers that they perceive as infringing upon the UK’s ability to make its own rules and control its budget.
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell stated that the UK supports the pandemic treaty because it would enable countries to respond swiftly to future pandemics. However, he emphasized that the government would not agree to anything that compromises the UK’s sovereignty.
These discussions regarding new powers for the WHO are part of the ongoing process to update the organization’s International Health Regulations (IHRs).
One proposed amendment suggests that the WHO’s advice would become binding, making it possible for the organization to enforce border closures, quarantine measures, and vaccine passport requirements across member countries.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, along with other world leaders, called for a new treaty on pandemic preparedness and response in March 2021. The goal of this proposed treaty is to enhance global cooperation, strengthen capacities, and improve the international response to future pandemics.
A draft of the WHO pandemic treaty was published in February 2023 and is currently being reviewed and discussed. Member states are expected to receive the draft for consideration by late May or early June, with ongoing discussions throughout 2023. The final outcome will be submitted for consideration in May 2024.