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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rowena Mason

End government by WhatsApp, urges former GCHQ head

Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson leaving the Covid inquiry. His government used a group chat called ‘Number 10 Action Group’. Photograph: Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters

The former head of GCHQ has called for an end to the government handling crises over WhatsApp, saying the platform might suit gossip and informal exchanges but is inappropriate for important decision-making.

Sir David Omand, who ran the UK intelligence service before becoming the permanent secretary of the Home Office and the Cabinet Office, criticised the way government was conducted in the pandemic and said future crises should be handled with “proper process”.

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