UK's Sunak defends government's handling of pandemic, restaurant scheme

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended Britain's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during an official inquiry into the country's response. He refuted claims of a dysfunctional government and supported his "Eat out to help out" subsidised meal scheme. Sunak, who became finance minister before the pandemic, provided significant financial support to businesses. Critics have questioned the scheme's contribution to infections, but Sunak stated that it followed safe reopening guidelines. The inquiry also raised concerns about prioritizing the economy over public health, and Sunak expressed remorse for those who lost loved ones.