Politics news – live: Rishi Sunak thought government should ‘let people die’ during pandemic, Vallance claims Cummings said
Core Message: Rishi Sunak’s Alleged Views on Handling the Pandemic
Sir Patrick Vallance today detailed the tug of war in government in the run up to the first and second lockdowns. Its seriousness is not just that it comes from the chief scientist, but that much of this evidence is from contemporaneous notes in his diary. He says he used it as a “brain dump” which he never expected to see the light of day.
Allegations Against Rishi Sunak
In early March 2020, Sir Patrick urged ministers to lock down the capital due to the spread of COVID, but Rishi Sunak expressed concerns about the economy. The Treasury’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme was launched without seeking scientific advice and would have increased transmission risk. Allegations also include claims that Sunak thought the government should “let it all rip” and “just let people die.”
These allegations will need to be addressed when Rishi Sunak gives evidence later this year.
