England: Boris Johnson receives wave of criticism after revelation about party in full confinement

The British government received on Tuesday a barrage of criticism and very strong pressure for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give explanations for a party held in the gardens of Downing Street in May 2020, when the rest of the country was adhering to the restrictions due to the pandemic. The latest revelation released by the press, which points to the fact that at least forty people enjoyed a social gathering with food and drink in the courtyard of the headquarters of the Executive and Johnson’s official residence in full confinement, has outraged society and has given ammunition to the opposition parties. In a statement, Scotland Yard confirmed that it values launching an investigation to investigate the event, convened on May 20 two years ago, when citizens complied with strict rules dictated by the Government itself, which restricted contact with other people. ” The Metropolitan Police (london) is aware of extensive reports relating to alleged breaches of the Health Protection Regulations that occurred in Downing Street on May 20, 2020, and is in contact with the Cabinet Office,” a spokesman said. There is also an ongoing internal investigation, led by senior British official Sue Gray, to shed light on the holding of a series of alleged celebrations in Downing Street during months of lockdown. This investigation will also examine the last known event, to which more than a hundred government employees were allegedly invited, in an email call sent by Johnson’s own secretary, Martin Reynolds, who despite the controversy continues to enjoy the “confidence” of the Conservative leader, according to a spokesman. There are several witnesses who have revealed to the BBC that Johnson and his wife, Carrie, were among those attending the event, although to date the “premier” has avoided confirming this point. Outrage at the government’s double standards In a heated session in the House of Commons today, Secretary of State Michael Ellis, who appeared on Johnson’s behalf, fit the downpour as best he could and apologized for the “anguish” caused by the allegations. However, he declined to answer specific questions about the party in question, arguing that “it would be inappropriate to comment until the internal investigation has been concluded.” It is incredibly disappointing but not surprising that the prime minister is not here today even though he has no official act pending. It speaks for itself,” said Labour’s number two, Angela Rayner.In the main opposition group there have been several politicians who have regretted that the incident has caused “incalculable damage to public confidence in health measures”. Keir Starmer, its leader, addressed a strong message to Johnson on his Twitter account: “Your aberrations and distractions are absurd. Not only was he aware of the parties held in Downing Street, he attended them. Stop lying to the British. It’s time to finally confess.” The party’s Energy and Climate Change spokesman, Ed Miliband, told the BBC that the Tory leader would find it “very difficult” to maintain his position if it is shown that he “has flagrantly broken regulations”. For her part, Ruth Davidson, former leader of the Conservatives in Scotland, called what happened “indefensible” and expressed astonishment in a tweet where she recalled that “rightly” the citizens who have “sacrificed so much” during the pandemic are now “furious”. Just an hour before the meeting of marras began that May 20, 2020, and in a press conference at the seat of the Government, the then head of Culture, Oliver Dowden -today president of the Conservative Party-, reminded citizens that they could “spend time abroad and exercise as often as they wish and meet another non-cohabiting person in an outside public place, as long as they stay two meters apart.” The aforementioned “email” in which Johnson’s secretary encouraged recipients to enjoy the “good weather” and join the meeting in the Downing Street garden was obtained exclusively by the ITV channel, which revealed that snacks were eaten and alcohol was consumed.

Original source in Spanish