In the latest developments from the Covid-19 Inquiry, it was revealed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak was dubbed 'Dr Death' during the pandemic due to his association with the Eat Out To Help Out scheme. This nickname emerged in WhatsApp messages between epidemiologist Professor John Edmunds and Professor Dame Angela McLean in September 2020, presented at the inquiry.
Professor Edmunds expressed anger over the scheme, which he believed accelerated the easing of restrictions without caution. There was no consultation with government scientific advisers on the scheme. Critics argued that it might have contributed to localized virus spread.
A spokesperson for Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice UK expressed concern over Sunak's approach and the potential consequences. They also highlighted doubts about future government pandemic management.
Professor Edmunds also discussed the necessity of the full lockdown in March 2020, describing it as a 'necessary evil.' Downing Street refrained from providing a detailed response to the inquiry evidence.