“I want to say sorry… I understand people’s anger. We must look at ourselves in the mirror and we must learn,” Johnson told lawmakers as he accepted a damning report by a senior civil servant. Sue Gray In respect of government parties violating lockdown-violation in government premises.
apologies It came hours after Gray “provided the prime minister an update on his investigation”.
Allegations that the PM and his staff flouted restrictions imposed on the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus sparked public anger, and prompted some Conservative lawmakers to call for Johnson. Resignation and began intense infiltration within the governing party.
Johnson denied personal wrongdoing and told parliament that he knew nothing of any illegal parties.
But Johnson’s grip on power was weakened by allegations that he and his staff flouted restrictions imposed on the country in 2020 and 2021 with “bring your own wine” with office parties, birthday celebrations and “wine-time Fridays”. imposed to prevent the spread of coronovirus. ,
Gray’s report noted that “against the backdrop of the pandemic, when the government was asking citizens to accept the far-reaching restrictions on their lives, it is difficult to justify some of the behavior surrounding these gatherings”.
Other key points in the report
* At least some of the gatherings represent a serious failure not only to adhere to the high standards expected of those working at the center of government, but also to the standards expected of the entire British population at the time.
* At times it seems that there is too much of what is happening around the country considering the suitability of some of these gatherings, the risks they present to public health, and how they may appear to the public. Little thought was given. There were failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of No. 10 and the Cabinet Office at different times. Some events should not have been allowed. Other events should not have been allowed to develop as they did.
* The use of the Garden at Number 10 Downing Street should be primarily for the Prime Minister and private residents of Number 10 and Number 11 Downing Street. During pandemics it was often used as an extension of the workplace as a more secure means of holding group meetings in a ventilated space. It was a sensible measure that was appreciated by the staff, but the garden was also used for gatherings without explicit authorization or oversight. It was not proper. Any official access to space, including meetings, must be by invitation only and in a controlled environment.
(with inputs from agencies)
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