Rishi Sunak has said that scientists never raised concerns over his Eat Out to Help Out scheme despite a month between the announcement of the policy and it taking effect.
The Prime Minister told the Covid inquiry that minutes from several various meetings over the spring showed that neither Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Sir Chris Whitty had objected to the policy.
He said the "onus" was on the advisers to raise it as a concern with him, adding: "Something could have been done about it if they felt strongly."
Messages have revealed that Government scientists referred to the then Chancellor as “Dr Death" over concerns about his push to keep economic activity going while leading the Treasury during the pandemic.
His questioning by lead counsel Hugo Keith KC in west London kicks off a crucial week for Mr Sunak as he faces a crunch vote on his Rwanda legislation on Tuesday.
