Sunak 'Thought It Was OK to Just Let People Die', Covid Inquiry Hears | ITV News

Nov 20, 2023 | Rishi Sunak "thought it was OK to just let people die" instead of imposing an economy-crippling second lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, the UK Covid-19 inquiry has heard. It was also suggested the then-chancellor did not consult scientists on his controversial Eat Out to Help scheme despite the risks being "obvious" to anyone involved. Private diaries - written as a "brain dump" by the government's former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance as a way to protect his mental health - have shone a light on the now-prime minister's attitude during the pandemic. Number 10 said Mr Sunak was due to give evidence to the inquiry soon and would not comment on anything claimed during Sir Patrick's testimony.

So, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, otherwise known as ‘BoJo the Clown’, isn’t as erudite and clever as he would have us all believe. None of us should be surprised! From the very start, it was obvious to me, as it surely was to many.

Reading just some of his articles will tell you who and what he is. But… even though I am not surprised by is his economic illiteracy — that was pretty clear to me from day one — his statistical illiteracy does surprise me. His Eton and Oxford education should have done much more for his education and erudition than that! It’s a sad state of affairs not to be able to cope with rudimentary graphs and statistics when in high office, especially when as prime minister one is also, ex officio, First Lord of the Treasury! Dear oh dear!

Further, as for Rishi Sunak’s comment on letting people die, that is graver still. A day or so ago, I asked the question whether Sunak was truly fit to govern us. Now, with this news snippet, I have got my answer! – © Mark Alexander

US Banker Paid £73m Dividend in 2021 after Firm Won Millions in UK Covid Contracts

THE GUARDIAN: Banks Bourne, sole owner of Tanner Pharma in North Carolina, took sum from Tanner’s UK arm, records show

Banks Bourne’s company, Tanner Pharma, was awarded contracts worth £865m from the UKHSA and the DHSC for the provision of lateral flow tests. Photograph: Medtex
An American banker was paid a £73m dividend in 2021 after his firm won hundreds of millions in Covid contracts, figures show.

Banks Bourne, the sole owner of the medical company Tanner Pharma, took the sum from Tanner’s UK division, Companies House records show.

While Tanner Pharma, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, registered profits of £1.4m in 2019, this figure hit £38.8m in 2020 and £64m in 2021. According to the company’s latest accounts, released in March, this financial growth was largely driven by a Covid windfall, with the firm paid huge sums by the UK government. » | Sam Bright | Thursday, May 25, 2023

Correct me if I am mistaken, but if my memory serves me well, it was the Tories who are responsible for this disgrace. Notably, Rishi Sunak, who was in charge of dishing out money during the pandemic, which he dished out to some like confetti, and to others like stale breadcrumbs to those on rations. Or, indeed, even worse, to many, none at all! – © Mark Alexander