Downing Street Parties: Police To Investigate Breach Of Covid-19 Regulations By UK PM Boris Johnson
UK PM Boris Johnson is now facing fresh criticism after the reports of rule-breaking parties during the pandemic under Johnson's government.
New Delhi: Amid claims of COVID-19 rule-breaking in London, the Metropolitan Police force on Tuesday said that they will investigate a series of parties held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street offices during strict lockdowns.
"The Met is now investigating several events that took place at Downing Street and Whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of Covid-19 regulations," Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick told the London Assembly local authority.
UK PM is facing the wrath for allegedly holding events during months in which the nation was under lockdown because of growing COVID cases.
"The fact that we are now investigating does not, of course, mean that fixed penalty notices will necessarily be issued in every instance and to every person involved," Dick said.
“We will not be giving a running commentary on our current investigations,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner added.
According to the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey the investigation was "the first step towards justice".
"Boris Johnson is not above the law, he must be treated like anyone else," Davey said in a statement.
"I now expect the Met to question Boris Johnson under caution at his local police station".
"If found guilty, he and any others in Downing Street who have broken Covid rules should be fined in the same way as ordinary members of the public".
As the story broke on Monday, the PM's allies started defending him. "So, when people in an office buy a cake in the middle of the afternoon for someone else they are working in the office with and stop for ten minutes to sing happy birthday and then go back to their desks, this is now called a party?" Nadine Dorries, UK's Culture Secretary, asked on Twitter on Monday.
So, when people in an office buy a cake in the middle of the afternoon for someone else they are working in the office with and stop for ten minutes to sing happy birthday and then go back to their desks, this is now called a party?
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) January 24, 2022
Downing Street has rejected the claims of breaching any rule by the evening gathering.
"This is totally untrue. In line with the rules at the time the Prime Minister hosted a small number of family members outside that evening," said Downing Street spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, who is from the opposition Labour Party, said "I just don't think the Prime Minister has the moral authority to lead a country like the United Kingdom."
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