In connection with their investigation into alleged breaches of lockdown rules at gatherings held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence, the Metropolitan Police reported on Monday that they have begun interviewing witnesses.

A police investigation is currently underway into 12 gatherings held at Downing Street after an internal investigation found Johnson's staff had attended alcohol-fueled parties, with the British leader making an appearance at some of the events.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-triggers-outrage-by-comparing-ukraine-crisis-with-brexit-463994">UK PM Boris Johnson triggers outrage by comparing Ukraine crisis with Brexit</a>

"Detectives investigating allegations of breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Downing Street and Whitehall have begun to interview people, as witnesses, as part of their ongoing enquiries," the Met said in a statement.

Police say over 100 questionnaires have been sent in connection with the investigation, with initial responses helping identify more individuals who are now being sent questionnaires.

Johnson was among those who received a questionnaire about the gatherings.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-says-west-made-terrible-mistake-by-letting-putin-get-away-with-annexing-crimea-462668">UK PM Johnson says West made 'terrible mistake' by letting Putin get away with annexing Crimea</a>

The alleged gatherings took place at a time when many people due to COVID-19 lockdown rules weren't even given the chance to attend funerals or say goodbye to loved ones who were dying in hospitals.

There was widespread anger about the revelations, and even a few politicians within the prime minister's party joined the opposition in calling for him to resign.

Watch |&nbsp;UK Downing Street: Police begin interviews with key Partygate witnesses

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-downing-street-police-begin-interviews-with-key-partygate-witnesses-464605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some, such as Douglas Ross, a Conservative leader in Scotland, backed away from that call, saying that the focus now should be on the war.

According to the police, no individuals have yet been referred for a fixed penalty notice, which is issued to those suspected of breaking COVID rules.

In the statement, it was stated that the investigation was proceeding as quickly as possible, but it did not indicate when it would be completed.

(With inputs from agencies)

In connection with their investigation into alleged breaches of lockdown rules at gatherings held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence, the Metropolitan Police reported on Monday that they have begun interviewing witnesses.

In connection with their investigation into alleged breaches of lockdown rules at gatherings held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence, the Metropolitan Police reported on Monday that they have begun interviewing witnesses. A police investigation is currently underway into 12 gatherings held at Downing Street after an internal investigation found Johnson's staff had attended alcohol-fueled parties, with the British leader making an appearance at some of the events. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson triggers outrage by comparing Ukraine crisis with Brexit "Detectives investigating allegations of breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Downing Street and Whitehall have begun to interview people, as witnesses, as part of their ongoing enquiries," the Met said in a statement. Police say over 100 questionnaires have been sent in connection with the investigation, with initial responses helping identify more individuals who are now being sent questionnaires. Johnson was among those who received a questionnaire about the gatherings. Also read | UK PM Johnson says West made 'terrible mistake' by letting Putin get away with annexing Crimea The alleged gatherings took place at a time when many people due to COVID-19 lockdown rules weren't even given the chance to attend funerals or say goodbye to loved ones who were dying in hospitals. There was widespread anger about the revelations, and even a few politicians within the prime minister's party joined the opposition in calling for him to resign. Watch | UK Downing Street: Police begin interviews with key Partygate witnesses In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some, such as Douglas Ross, a Conservative leader in Scotland, backed away from that call, saying that the focus now should be on the war. According to the police, no individuals have yet been referred for a fixed penalty notice, which is issued to those suspected of breaking COVID rules. In the statement, it was stated that the investigation was proceeding as quickly as possible, but it did not indicate when it would be completed. (With inputs from agencies)

Interviews begin in Downing Street lockdown party scandal investigation

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases.<o:p></o:p>

Experts fear that as more and more people get annoyed by their Prime Minister Boris Johnson, amid rising controversies surrounding his protocol breaks, locals will start questioning and defying the government.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-experts-warn-government-against-omicron-spread-in-absence-of-stingent-measures-435965">UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread in absence of 'stingent measures'</a></o:p>

"It is always more difficult to re-apply restrictions because people are fatigued and generally fed up," Linda Bauld, a professor of public health at Edinburgh University was quoted by the Guardian. "But now it's going to be even harder, because trust has been eroded to a very significant level. People are really fed up with the government. And if you don’t trust the government, why would you do what the government asked you to do?"<o:p></o:p>

Experts have warned that there is a huge possibility that people are not going to follow the rules if they are asked to limit indoor gatherings once again. While many listened to the government last year, this year controversy of the PM celebrating Christmas parties in secret have broken the trust of his countrymen.<o:p></o:p>

"Many are likely to say: I’m fed up, I don’t trust this government, and I want to see my friends and family, so I’m just going to ignore the rule."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-approval-rating-plummets-436130">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-approval-rating-plummets-436130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Labour has also claimed that the Boris Johnson-run government will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating everyone by the end of January 2022.<o:p></o:p>

This warning comes at a time when the UK is observing an alarming increase of cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. "The NHS should continue to prioritise those most at risk, including the elderly, housebound and care home residents, but there is no reason others who are eligible and keen to get their booster vaccines now should be turned away," said Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary. "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Christmas safely this year, as well as protecting our NHS. The best way to do that is boosting the booster campaign."<o:p></o:p>

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases.

As the locals are being told that further restrictions will be needed to control the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, experts fear that the falling trust in their PM Boris Johnson could lead to a surge in the Covid cases. Experts fear that as more and more people get annoyed by their Prime Minister Boris Johnson, amid rising controversies surrounding his protocol breaks, locals will start questioning and defying the government. Also read | UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread in absence of 'stingent measures' "It is always more difficult to re-apply restrictions because people are fatigued and generally fed up," Linda Bauld, a professor of public health at Edinburgh University was quoted by the Guardian. "But now it's going to be even harder, because trust has been eroded to a very significant level. People are really fed up with the government. And if you don’t trust the government, why would you do what the government asked you to do?" Experts have warned that there is a huge possibility that people are not going to follow the rules if they are asked to limit indoor gatherings once again. While many listened to the government last year, this year controversy of the PM celebrating Christmas parties in secret have broken the trust of his countrymen. "Many are likely to say: I’m fed up, I don’t trust this government, and I want to see my friends and family, so I’m just going to ignore the rule." WATCH | Meanwhile, Labour has also claimed that the Boris Johnson-run government will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating everyone by the end of January 2022. This warning comes at a time when the UK is observing an alarming increase of cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. "The NHS should continue to prioritise those most at risk, including the elderly, housebound and care home residents, but there is no reason others who are eligible and keen to get their booster vaccines now should be turned away," said Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary. "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy Christmas safely this year, as well as protecting our NHS. The best way to do that is boosting the booster campaign."

Declining trust in Boris Johnson can lead to increase in Covid cases in UK

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel.&nbsp;

At the time, many reports were pointing to the dire situation of the British PM&nbsp;and&nbsp;pinned his recovery on the care he received at the hands of medical staff at the treating hospital,&nbsp;including a nurse who is now leaving her job. According to the The Guardian, the nurse is frustrated over how the government has treated its healthcare workers during the course of the pandemic.

The situation in the United Kingdom has improved tremendously over the last few weeks due to the quick vaccination programme in force throughout the country.&nbsp;But Jenny McGee, a nurse of New Zealand paints another picture of how the world’s caretakers have been treated during the course of the pandemic.

Johnson had singled out two nurses including McGee for their instrumental role in his recovery. After recovering, he announced that the NHS was responsible for saving his life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/boris-johnson-says-uk-anxious-about-coronavirus-variant-first-detected-in-india-384924" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

However, things seem to taken a turn for the worse as McGee recently criticised the government for not doing enough to protect its healthcare workers. "We're not getting the respect and now pay that we deserve. I'm just sick of it. So I've handed in my resignation," The Guardian quoted her as saying during the filming of a Channel 4 TV documentary which will air on May 24.

After recovering, Johnson had thanked McGee and her colleague for staying by his side at St Thomas Hospital in London. He said that “things could have gone either way”.

The government had faced criticism for its recent proposal to increase wages of NHS staff by 1 per cent. Many critics of the government have referred to the hike as insulting to frontline workers. "Lots of nurses felt that the government hadn't led very effectively – the indecisiveness, so many mixed messages. It was just very upsetting," Reuters quoted McGee as saying of the government’s response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-has-unpaid-debt-worth-ps535-384587" hreflang="en">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unpaid debt worth £535</a>

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel.

When United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson had freshly recovered from COVID-19 in April 2020, he praised the care he received courtesy of National Health Service (NHS) personnel. At the time, many reports were pointing to the dire situation of the British PM and pinned his recovery on the care he received at the hands of medical staff at the treating hospital, including a nurse who is now leaving her job. According to the The Guardian, the nurse is frustrated over how the government has treated its healthcare workers during the course of the pandemic. The situation in the United Kingdom has improved tremendously over the last few weeks due to the quick vaccination programme in force throughout the country. But Jenny McGee, a nurse of New Zealand paints another picture of how the world’s caretakers have been treated during the course of the pandemic. Johnson had singled out two nurses including McGee for their instrumental role in his recovery. After recovering, he announced that the NHS was responsible for saving his life. Also read: Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India However, things seem to taken a turn for the worse as McGee recently criticised the government for not doing enough to protect its healthcare workers. "We're not getting the respect and now pay that we deserve. I'm just sick of it. So I've handed in my resignation," The Guardian quoted her as saying during the filming of a Channel 4 TV documentary which will air on May 24. After recovering, Johnson had thanked McGee and her colleague for staying by his side at St Thomas Hospital in London. He said that “things could have gone either way”. The government had faced criticism for its recent proposal to increase wages of NHS staff by 1 per cent. Many critics of the government have referred to the hike as insulting to frontline workers. "Lots of nurses felt that the government hadn't led very effectively – the indecisiveness, so many mixed messages. It was just very upsetting," Reuters quoted McGee as saying of the government’s response. Also read: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unpaid debt worth £535

Nurse who played key role in Boris Johnson's Covid recovery has quit. Here's what happened

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has battled the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> himself in April 2020. The leader spent three nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while the nation hoped for his speedy recovery.

Looking back at those days nearly a year later, Johnson said while the days were hard, there was no moment he didn't think he would make it through.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-reiterates-us-concerns-and-criticism-over-who-covid-19-mission-to-china-363563" hreflang="en">Britain reiterates US 'concerns' and 'criticism' over WHO COVID-19 mission to China</a>

In an interview with a US network CBS, Johnson, at his official residence at Downing Street, talked about the week he had spent in the &nbsp;St Thomas’ hospital in central London after coronavirus had taken over his body.

When asked if he thought his body would completely give up when he was shifted to the ICU, the Prime Minister tried to dodge the question by reminding how the medical experts have "moved on a long way" since he fell ill in April 2020.

However, when repeatedly prompted if he doubted whether or not he would make it through, he replied, "Well, no, that didn’t occur."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-virus-variant-is-probably-deadlier-scientists-say-363537" hreflang="en">UK virus variant is probably deadlier, scientists say</a>

"I think one of the features of this illness is that as you undergo it, you don’t realise quite what a state you’re in. Your oxygen levels go down in a way that perhaps the patient doesn’t quite detect themselves," Johnson added.

Many people have reported similar experiences from their battle with the deadly COVID-19.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, he is being criticised for declaring plans to ease all coronavirus-related restrictions in the country for the upcoming summer season, after the local authorities successfully vaccinated a record 15 million population.

In a letter to Johnson, more than 60 MPs said there was absolutely "no justification" for not lifting the coronavirus-related restrictions by the month of May if the government is hoping to vaccinate all people aged above 50 by the end of April.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has battled the deadly coronavirus himself in April 2020. The leader spent three nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while the nation hoped for his speedy recovery.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has battled the deadly coronavirus himself in April 2020. The leader spent three nights in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while the nation hoped for his speedy recovery. Looking back at those days nearly a year later, Johnson said while the days were hard, there was no moment he didn't think he would make it through. Also read| Britain reiterates US 'concerns' and 'criticism' over WHO COVID-19 mission to China In an interview with a US network CBS, Johnson, at his official residence at Downing Street, talked about the week he had spent in the St Thomas’ hospital in central London after coronavirus had taken over his body. When asked if he thought his body would completely give up when he was shifted to the ICU, the Prime Minister tried to dodge the question by reminding how the medical experts have "moved on a long way" since he fell ill in April 2020. However, when repeatedly prompted if he doubted whether or not he would make it through, he replied, "Well, no, that didn’t occur." Also read| UK virus variant is probably deadlier, scientists say "I think one of the features of this illness is that as you undergo it, you don’t realise quite what a state you’re in. Your oxygen levels go down in a way that perhaps the patient doesn’t quite detect themselves," Johnson added. Many people have reported similar experiences from their battle with the deadly COVID-19. Meanwhile, he is being criticised for declaring plans to ease all coronavirus-related restrictions in the country for the upcoming summer season, after the local authorities successfully vaccinated a record 15 million population. In a letter to Johnson, more than 60 MPs said there was absolutely "no justification" for not lifting the coronavirus-related restrictions by the month of May if the government is hoping to vaccinate all people aged above 50 by the end of April.

'That didn’t occur': UK PM Boris Johnson was sure he would survive coronavirus