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Sunak insists there was no need to consult scientists on Eat Out to Help Out

Bullish under questioning, the prime minister claimed Eat Out was a ‘micropolicy’ that did not need scientific input

By Ruby Lott-Lavigna
Sunak insists there was no need to consult scientists on Eat Out to Help Out
Rishi Sunak hosts a roundtable discussion for business representatives at a Franco Manca restaurant in Waterloo on 22 October 2020. Sunak has defended keeping his flagship hospitality policy, Eat Out to Help Out, from SAGE scientists until its announcement | Stefan Rousseau-WPA Pool/Getty Images
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Rishi Sunak has defended the decision not to consult with scientists before announcing the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, claiming it was a “micropolicy”.

Giving evidence at the official Covid inquiry today, the UK prime minister was challenged on why he did not seek advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) before going forward with a scheme that increased the likelihood of indoor socialising.

“Why, in light of the obvious issue of risk of transmission inherent in any scheme that encouraged households to come together, did the Treasury not consult with SAGE, the CMO [chief medical officer], the secretary of state for health, or anybody else outside Number 10?” counsel to the inquiry Hugo Keith asked.

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