Covid Inquiry: Claims Rishi Sunak said 'Let people die'

Adolf Goebbels
Published on Nov 20, 2023
Rishi Sunak said the government should just “let people die” during the coronavirus pandemic, the Covid inquiry has been told.

In one of the most explosive claims heard at the inquiry so far, the prime minister, who was chancellor at the time, allegedy said to “just let people die and that’s okay”.

The accusation made by former chief of staff Dominic Cummings was documented in Sir Patrick Vallance’s diary. The former chief scientific adviser made the note following a “shambolic” meeting about Covid restrictions in October 2020.

According to the diary, then-PM Boris Johnson had argued for “letting it all rip”. Mr Cummings, who was at the time Mr Johnson’s most senior adviser, then shared Mr Sunak’s alleged comment agreeing with Mr Johnson.

Although Sir Patrick said he did not personally hear Mr Sunak express such an opinion, he told the inquiry: “That’s what Dominic Cummings said.”

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