Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently testified at a public inquiry concerning the UK government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His focus was largely on the measures implemented to support workers and businesses during this unprecedented crisis.
Key Insights from Sunak’s Testimony
Sunak remarked on the significant uncertainty that surrounded the outbreak. Policymakers faced challenges in predicting the virus’s impact and public behavior. He stated, “There was not a toolkit… for pandemics” like there was for past economic crises.
Findings from the COVID Inquiry
The inquiry has been exploring the economic strategies over the past three weeks. Previous testimonies included insights from former ministers and financial officials. A notable conclusion from the inquiry highlighted that the government underestimated the virus’s seriousness, particularly during February 2020, which they deemed a “lost month” for action.
Sunak’s Role and Priorities
This was Sunak’s second appearance, following his initial testimony in December 2023 while still in office. Appointed Chancellor on February 13, 2020, he was preparing the Budget just before the UK entered lockdown in March. Sunak emphasized his objective to avert mass unemployment, stating, “speed was paramount” in the government’s efforts.
He recognized the challenges associated with rapid implementation, acknowledging that not every decision would be perfect: “We could not let perfect be the enemy of the good. We had to get things out fast.” While he expressed regret that it was impossible to save every job, he took pride in the impact on living standards, especially for the vulnerable.
The Introduction of the Furlough Scheme
The coronavirus job retention scheme, commonly known as furlough, was announced by Sunak in March 2020. This initiative aimed to provide financial support to retain employees during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
At his earlier testimony, Sunak also defended the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, implemented to aid businesses’ recovery after the first lockdown.
Conclusion
Sunak’s evidence highlights the government’s urgent response to the COVID-19 economic crisis, emphasizing the importance of swift action despite the uncertainties. The furlough scheme played a crucial role in supporting workers and preventing a mass unemployment crisis during an unpredictable time.
