UK PM Boris Johnson cannot answer party questions because of police, minister says

Published February 1, 2022
A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows Former prime minister Theresa May (top R) listening alongside fellow Conservative MPs as Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking during a statement following an update on a report by Sue Gray in to parties at Downing Street during Covid-19 lockdowns, in the House of Commons in London on Monday. — AFP
A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows Former prime minister Theresa May (top R) listening alongside fellow Conservative MPs as Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking during a statement following an update on a report by Sue Gray in to parties at Downing Street during Covid-19 lockdowns, in the House of Commons in London on Monday. — AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cannot answer specific questions over lockdown parties in Downing Street because he does not want to prejudice a police investigation into 12 gatherings, his deputy said on Tuesday.

British police are reviewing more than 500 pieces of paper and over 300 photographs as part of an investigation into whether the Downing Street gatherings broke Covid-19 lockdown laws.

“If he does start answering specific questions that have been referred to the police, he will be accused, in fact fairly and rightly, of prejudicing or preventing or interfering in that investigation,” Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News.

After initially saying that no rules were broken, Johnson has repeatedly declined to answer specifics about his own attendance at some of the gatherings.

He later admitted being at one gathering but said he thought it was a work event. On Monday, he repeatedly declined to say if he had been at a gathering at his own apartment above the Downing Street office, citing the police investigation into the incident.

Opposition parties said a police inquiry should not preclude Johnson from answering specifics, especially in parliament — the supreme crucible of British democracy.

“What happened was the Metropolitan Police asked that the full report not be published at the moment, but the idea that that prevents the prime minister from saying whether he was at a party on a particular day is absolute nonsense,” Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer told BBC TV.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...