Tory refuses to apologise for Covid failings that cost thousands of lives Cabinet Office Steve Barclay was asked more than a dozen times to say sorry for the Government's handling of the pandemic as a damning new report highlighted errors which led to thousands of deaths COVID-19: Minister refuses to apologise for government's pandemic handling as report says errors 'cost thousands of lives'A minister has refused to apologise 11 times for the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, after a highly-critical report by MPs said thousands of lives were lost due to delays and mistakes by both ministers and their scientific advisers. COVID-19: Reaction to highly critical COVID report, as Cummings brands prime minister and Labour leader 'jokes'Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Cabinet Office minister Stephen Barclay refused to apologise 11 times for the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, after a highly-critical report by MPs said thousands of lives were lost due to delays and mistake Minister refuses to apologise for pandemic failings which ‘cost thousands of lives’‘We followed the scientific advice’, Cabinet Officer minister Stephen Barclay insisted COVID-19: Sorry seems to be the hardest word for ministers even after damning report into pandemicSteven Barclay's refusal to apologise 11 times shows the battle lines are being drawn ahead of the inevitable inquiry into COVID-19. The government's repeated claims they "followed the science" looks to be coming under increasing pressure.