This suggests that the fear they were instilling in people around the country was not something they felt themselves.
These were the people at the top of government, with easy access to the actual data about covid. They were not relying on what the government said, but were instead the people deciding what the government said.
They were pushing a message of fear, yet if they were truly frightened they would have rushed home after having to spend the day at Number Ten. Instead they drank wine and munched crisps together. These are not the actions of people frightened they may catch a virus that may kill them.
Any trust in the government to tell the truth has disintegrated. We are left bereft of guidance, unable to trust governmental advice.