Rishi Sunak defends UK government's pandemic response and restaurant scheme

Rishi Sunak, former UK chancellor, defended the controversial Eat Out To Help Out scheme during his appearance at the Covid-19 Inquiry, stating it was necessary to protect workers from job losses. He confirmed that his pandemic-era WhatsApp messages were not available to the inquiry due to changing phones multiple times. Sunak also faced criticism for his hazy memory of key meetings and defended his former boss, Boris Johnson, against claims of a dysfunctional administration. He issued a sombre apology to those who suffered during the pandemic and emphasized the importance of learning lessons for future preparedness. Meanwhile, Tory MPs were scrutinizing Sunak's Rwanda legislation, which faced rejection from a panel of lawyers convened by rebel MPs.