LONDON (UK) – British finance minister Rishi Sunak in an interview with The Sun newspaper warned that a further lockdown would weaken both the economy and society. He added that lockdowns have a very strong economic and social impact.
Sunak said, according to the newspaper, “Having a difficult economy has an impact on both our ability to fund public services like the NHS but also on individual people’s long-term health outcomes.”
Sunak expressed his opinion about the 10 pm curfew on pubs and restaurants, “Of course it’s frustrating. I know it’s difficult and wish we didn’t have to do these things.”
He added that ministers had mixed opinions on the issue, while at the same time encouraged Brits to abide by the rules.
The British government launched a new employment programme on Monday, which is intended to help those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic to get back to work.
Sunak in his interview supported British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saying that Johnson faces difficult decisions and “awful trade-offs”.
“The fact that he can do it and maintain that sense of optimism is extraordinary,” he added.
