UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, slammed for prioritising economy

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed profound regret during an official inquiry into the UK's Covidresponse, and extendedapologies to the bereaved families and those who suffered due to the pandemic.

Sunak, relatively unknown before becoming finance minister amid the pandemiconset, stressed onthe importance of deriving lessons from the crisis to enhance the country's preparedness for future challenges.

"I just wanted to start by saying how deeply sorry I am to all of those who lost loved ones, family members through the pandemic and also all those who suffered in the various different ways throughout the pandemic and as a result of the actions that were taken," he said.

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"It's important that we learn the lessons so that we can be better prepared in the future," the prime minister added.

Sunak's apology extended to all who lost loved ones and those who endured various hardships.

Inquiry into UK's COVID-19 response

The ongoing COVID inquiry in Britain scrutinises the nation's handling of the pandemic, bringing to light chaotic scenes in the government under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The pandemic was marked by allegedincompetence, internal strife, and misogyny.

While Sunak earned praise for managing pandemic fallout as finance minister, questions have arisen about whether his economic focus potentially compromised public health, with claims that he allegedly suggested "just let people die."

Officials and scientists question whether Sunak's emphasis on reopening the economy might have, inadvertently, taken a toll on public health measures, prompting a reevaluation of the economic-centric approach.

'Eat out to Help Out'scheme under fire

The inquiry is likely to scrutinise Sunak's "Eat out to Help Out" subsidised meal initiative in August 2020, aimed at boosting spending in the hospitality sector, with concerns raised about its potential contribution to a surge in infections.

Also watch |UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time

Scientists have questioned the scheme's role in potentially instigatinga wave of infections, adding a layer of complexity to the inquiry's examination of policies enacted during critical phases of the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)