Sunak Defends 'Eat Out to Help Out' Scheme at Covid Inquiry

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denies consulting with scientific advisors on the scheme, refutes 'pro-death squad' characterization of the Treasury, and addresses missing WhatsApp messages.

• Rishi Sunak, the UK's Prime Minister, defended the controversial 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme during his testimony at the Covid inquiry, stating it was a 'micro-policy' within the overall reopening plan.
• Sunak denied consulting with scientific advisors or the health secretary about the scheme, arguing that it was designed in the context of already approved safe measures.
• The Prime Minister also addressed missing WhatsApp messages during the crisis, explaining he had changed his phone multiple times and the messages did not transfer.
• Sunak refuted the characterization of the Treasury under his leadership as a 'pro-death squad', calling it unfair to the hardworking people at the Treasury.
• He also denied allegations that anyone in government referred to people requiring free school meals during the pandemic as 'freeloaders'.

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