Government now wants close links with early warning system despite Brexit, source says.

DOWNING STREET ignored pleas by health chiefs to keep Britain in the European Union’s pandemic early warning system — because of Brexit.

The Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) is a web-based platform linking the European Commission, ECDC and public health authorities in EU/EEA countries responsible for measures to control serious cross-border threats to health, including communicable diseases.

Matt Hancock wanted to retain membership of EWRS as part of EU-UK future relationship deal, but Number 10 said no.