UK: Boris Johnson apologises for Downing Street video but insists no Christmas party was held

Courtesy to Parliament TV

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised for a video showing senior Downing Street staff joking about holding a Christmas party during lockdown last year, but insisted that no party was held.

Johnson made the comment during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s questions.

“I could understand how infuriating it must be to think that the people who have been setting the rules have not been following the rules,” Johnson said.

“I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country and I apologise for the impression that it gives. But I repeat, Mr Speaker, that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that and that new COVID rules were broken,” the prime minister said.

Video obtained by ITV News showed Johnson’s then-press secretary Allegra Stratton asking colleagues about the reports of a party during a press conference rehearsal in December of 2020.

“This fictional party was a business meeting and it was not socially distanced,” Stratton quips.

A source told the BBC that the party took place on December 18, and “several dozen” people attended.

TRANSCRIPT

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Mr Speaker, may I begin by saying that I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing No10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures. And I could understand how infuriating it must be to think that the people who have been setting the rules have not been following the rules, Mr Speaker, because I was also furious to see that clip. And Mr Speaker, I apologise. I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country and I apologise for the impression that it gives. But I repeat, Mr Speaker, that I have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that and that new COVID rules were broken. And that is what I have been repeatedly assured. But I have asked the cabinet secretary to establish all the facts and to report back as soon as possible. And Mr Speaker, it goes without saying that if those rules were broken, then there will be disciplinary action for all those involved. Mr Speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this house, I shall have further such meetings later today.

Видео UK: Boris Johnson apologises for Downing Street video but insists no Christmas party was held канала Eurovision Social Newswire