Connect with us

Published

on

After appearances from Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and a range of Downing Street advisers, it is now time for Rishi Sunak to be questioned at the official COVID inquiry.

We take a look at what questions the prime minister – who served as chancellor throughout the pandemic – is likely to face.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sir Chris Whitty says the first lockdown was ‘a bit too late’

Lockdown timing

Many of the hearings in this section of the inquiry have focused on whether the government locked down the country at the right time – or whether the decision was left too late.

While many of the advisers and ministers have said it was the latter, then prime minister Mr Johnson appeared to stand by his decision to wait – telling the inquiry he “can’t say” whether he would have “gone earlier”.

As a very senior member of the prime minister’s cabinet at the time, Mr Sunak is sure to be asked where he stands on the ongoing debate.

Dominic Cummings gives evidence to the  Covid  inquiry
Image:
Dominic Cummings’ WhatsApps were read to him during his inquiry hearing

‘Just let people die’

More on Covid Inquiry

Many who have faced the inquiry have suggested Mr Sunak had an aversion to locking down as he sought to protect the economy and, in turn, the Treasury’s coffers.

His scepticism is said to have grown throughout the crisis, telling one meeting that the government should be “handling the scientists, not the virus” – unbeknownst to him, the scientists were listening in.

But the most graphic allegation around his views came from an entry in the chief scientific adviser’s diary as senior figures discussed heading into a second national lockdown in October 2020.

Sir Patrick Vallance wrote that chief adviser Dominic Cummings claimed “Rishi thinks just let people die and that’s okay”.

We know from his top economic adviser, Clare Lombardelli, that Mr Sunak was told by officials to push back hard against a “catastrophic” circuit breaker in September.

But the now prime minister is sure to be asked about Mr Cummings’s remarks, and whether that is what he believed.

Helen McNamara
Image:
Helen McNamara claims there was a ‘sexist’ culture in Downing Street

Working environment

Another element highlighted in several of the hearings were claims of a “toxic” culture inside Downing Street during the pandemic.

Deputy cabinet secretary Helen McNamara described the environment as “sexist” and “awful”, telling the inquiry how women were routinely “ignored” and issues that particularly affected them – such as childcare, domestic abuse and access to abortions – were not being considered.

She was also the subject of vitriolic messages from Mr Cummings, who used four-letter words and descriptions of how he wanted to “handcuff” her.

As a part of the top team, Mr Sunak may well be asked what his experience of working in Downing Street was throughout COVID.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Boris Johnson was heckled at COVID inquiry as he said ‘sorry’

Johnson critique

The pandemic prime minister has faced reams of criticism throughout the recent hearings – from being nicknamed a “shopping trolley” due to how much his opinion allegedly veered, through to claims he didn’t even understand the science being put to him.

As his right hand man in Number 11, Mr Sunak is likely to be asked for his opinion on Mr Johnson’s abilities, and his decision-making throughout.

And everyone else has been asked about what they thought of Mr Hancock too, so we can expect to hear Mr Sunak’s conclusions on the work of the then health secretary.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Simon Ridley says the COVID taskforce was ‘blindsided’ by Eat Out to Help Out

Eat Out to Help Out

This scheme, aimed at helping the hospitality sector recover after being hit hard by lockdowns, is one Mr Sunak has long celebrated.

He said the plan helped save millions of jobs in pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as enabled people to return to doing the things they loved.

But soon after the scheme ended, studies were linking it to a rise in infections – which ultimately led to more deaths and a further lockdown – and that claim has been repeated at the inquiry.

One of the government’s senior scientific advisers, Professor Dame Angela McLean, even dubbed the chancellor “Dr Death” in messages to a colleague.

It was also revealed by Sir Patrick Vallance that the Treasury announced the scheme without seeking advice from scientists or medical advisers.

So we imagine a strong grilling of Mr Sunak over how he formed the policy, and the impact it had.

Boris Johnson pictured toasting staff in Downing Street during lockdown
Image:
Boris Johnson pictured toasting staff in Downing Street during lockdown

Partygate

One of the biggest stories to surface from the pandemic was the numerous lockdown breaking parties that took place in Downing Street.

There was palpable anger from the public as the gatherings began to be revealed, with stories of suitcases full of wine, karaoke machines and staff throwing up on the walls all surfacing.

However, it was a more sedate, albeit still rule-breaking affair – a birthday party for Mr Johnson in the Cabinet Room – that saw both Mr Sunak and his boss receive fixed penalty notices from the police.

The now prime minister has defended himself before, saying he was only in the room as he had arrived early for a meeting – though he did accept and pay the fine.

But having been found to have broken the rules and played a part in this national scandal, he is sure to face questions about it.

Continue Reading

Politics

What’s next for DeFi in 2025?

Published

on

By

What’s next for DeFi in 2025?

Industry executives say Bitcoin staking, tokenized RWAs and AI agents will reshape the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Continue Reading

Politics

Women more bullish about blockchain games than men: Web3 Gamer

Published

on

By

Women more bullish about blockchain games than men: Web3 Gamer

Women are more optimistic than men about blockchain adoption in the gaming industry, plus Beam Foundation’s Node sale campaign: Web3 Gamer.

Continue Reading

Politics

Starmer ‘looking towards a better, brighter future’ in Christmas message

Published

on

By

Starmer 'looking towards a better, brighter future' in Christmas message

Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be “looking towards a better, brighter future” in his first Christmas message as prime minister.

It comes almost six months into the Labour leader’s time in Downing Street, with the prime minister currently having to battle criticisms of his party’s management of the economy and the direction he is taking the country.

His message takes an optimistic tone, while also encouraging people to “look after those around us” and wishing for peace in the Middle East.

Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.

“It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.

“Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.”

Keir and Victoria Starmer host a Christmas party for children from four schools across London, and children supported by Action for Children and young carers from The Honeypot Charity in 10 Downing Street. 
Pic: PA
Image:
Keir and Victoria Starmer hosted a Christmas party for children from four schools across London at Downing Street earlier this month. Pic: PA

The prime minister went on: “I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year. In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.

“Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.

“Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.

“This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.

“I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.

“So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.”

Read more:
Starmer heading abroad for New Year’s Day
No surprise PM ‘badly needs holiday’ – analysis

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Opposition, has also shared a Christmas message.

It strikes a similar tone to Sir Keir’s, although shares more personal anecdotes.

For example, the Tory leader says Christmas is her “very favourite time of year” due to “having lots of family around, seeing my friends, eating, drinking, having fun, making merry”.

She goes on to thank everyone in the country for “supporting each other”, and encouraging people to “support all of those people who need our assistance”.

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch during a visit to label manufacturer Baker Labels in Brentwood, Essex.
Pic: PA
Image:
Ms Badenoch says Christmas is her ‘very favourite time of year. Pic: PA

Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, paid tribute to young carers in his Christmas message.

He looked after his sick mother as he was growing up, and tried to get a Christmas number one with a song raising awareness of young carers.

Ed Davey and Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas carry a Christmas tree during a visit to Pamington Farm Christmas Tree Centre near Tewkesbury.
Pic: PA
Image:
Ed Davey and Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas carrying a Christmas tree this month. Pic: PA

Sir Ed said: “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity.

“So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts.”

Continue Reading

Trending