Rishi Sunak revealed that government officials were advised against implementing Covid restrictions too early due to concerns about public acceptance. Serving as Chancellor during the initial outbreak in March 2020, Sunak’s statements followed a critical report by the Covid inquiry led by Baroness Heather Hallett, highlighting government delays that led to unnecessary loss of lives and eventual full lockdowns.
During his testimony at the inquiry, Sunak disclosed that initial advice from Treasury officials cautioned against premature interventions, emphasizing the importance of public buy-in. Despite considering voluntary social distancing and school closures initially effective, it became evident within days that a mandatory lockdown was unavoidable.
Expressing condolences to families affected by the pandemic, Sunak acknowledged the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the virus when he assumed office as Chancellor in February 2020. He noted the absence of a definitive playbook for managing a pandemic, unlike the resources available for economic crises.
Regarding the government’s economic response, Sunak acknowledged the inability to save all jobs but underscored the commitment to averting mass unemployment. Despite the economic hardships faced by many, he emphasized the importance of transparency in communicating the challenges ahead.
Sunak lauded the government’s efforts in curbing mass job losses through initiatives like the furlough scheme, which saw approximately 11.7 million jobs supported at a cost of around £70 billion. He highlighted the scheme’s success in mitigating job losses beyond initial forecasts, reflecting a better outcome than anticipated in the early stages of the pandemic.