Boris Johnson is currently answering questions over the controversial booze party in the House of Commons. Today's parliament session comes after the revelation of another secret lockdown party held at the PM's residence the conservative party members are watching the growing list of secret parties held at the downing street.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces furious backlash over lockdown parties

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face weekly questioning session in the House Of Commons. Today's parliament session comes after the revelation of another secret lockdown party held at the PM's residence the conservative party members are watching the growing list of secret parties held at the downing street.

Downing street party: How will UK PM Boris Johnson defend his premiership?

UK MP Jim Shannon broke down during a debate over alleged Downing Street party as he spoke about the death of his mother-in-law who died alone due to COVID-19.

"In Northern Ireland, we reached a milestone of 3000 deaths due to COVID just last week - 3,000 people who followed the rules... including my mother-in-law who died alone," the MP said in UK Parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-to-face-the-music-over-reports-of-holding-booze-party-during-covid-lockdown-443805">Also Read:&nbsp;UK PM Johnson to face the music over booze party during Covid lockdown</a>

The development comes amid allegations UK PM Boris Johnson conducted a party with several guests during the lockdown.

Shannon was helped by other MPs as he asked whether the investigation would be made public. PM Boris Johnson wasn't present in Parliament while Shannon was speaking as his cabinet officer minister&nbsp;Michael Ellis took questions.

Reports claim&nbsp;the UK prime minister's private secretary had invited people to a "bring your own booze" party at 10 Downing Street.

Watch:&nbsp;Leaked email exposes UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-leaked-email-exposes-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnsons-party-443837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson has been under fire after a video emerged of his staff in a party during the Christmas lockdown in 2020 as Labour leader Keir Starmer accused Johnson of lacking moral authority to lead the country.

Amid the scandal, polls show Johnson's Conservative Party has been slipping behind Labour amid calls for the UK prime minister's resignation.

However, Michael Ellis backed Johson saying, "the prime minister is going nowhere".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/boris-johnson-is-revealing-who-he-really-is-443991">Also Read:&nbsp;Boris Johnson is revealing who he really is</a>

Labour's Afzal Khan described how his mother died alone in the hospital&nbsp;while he sat in a car outside. Reports say an investigation is underway on at least five parties which were allegedly held in various government departments during the lockdown.

PM Johnson had earlier told parliament all virus guidance were followed and no rules were broken.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

UK MP Jim Shannon broke down during a debate over alleged Downing Street party as he spoke about the death of his mother-in-law who died alone due to COVID-19. "In Northern Ireland, we reached a milestone of 3000 deaths due to COVID just last week - 3,000 people who followed the rules.

UK MP Jim Shannon broke down during a debate over alleged Downing Street party as he spoke about the death of his mother-in-law who died alone due to COVID-19. "In Northern Ireland, we reached a milestone of 3000 deaths due to COVID just last week - 3,000 people who followed the rules... including my mother-in-law who died alone," the MP said in UK Parliament. Also Read: UK PM Johnson to face the music over booze party during Covid lockdown The development comes amid allegations UK PM Boris Johnson conducted a party with several guests during the lockdown. Shannon was helped by other MPs as he asked whether the investigation would be made public. PM Boris Johnson wasn't present in Parliament while Shannon was speaking as his cabinet officer minister Michael Ellis took questions. Reports claim the UK prime minister's private secretary had invited people to a "bring your own booze" party at 10 Downing Street. Watch: Leaked email exposes UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party Johnson has been under fire after a video emerged of his staff in a party during the Christmas lockdown in 2020 as Labour leader Keir Starmer accused Johnson of lacking moral authority to lead the country. Amid the scandal, polls show Johnson's Conservative Party has been slipping behind Labour amid calls for the UK prime minister's resignation. However, Michael Ellis backed Johson saying, "the prime minister is going nowhere". Also Read: Boris Johnson is revealing who he really is Labour's Afzal Khan described how his mother died alone in the hospital while he sat in a car outside. Reports say an investigation is underway on at least five parties which were allegedly held in various government departments during the lockdown. PM Johnson had earlier told parliament all virus guidance were followed and no rules were broken. (With inputs from Agencies)

UK MP breaks down over death of mother-in-law during lockdown party debate

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan. 4, “to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again.”

Public health experts may disagree. Yet Mr. Johnson is at least being consistent — not only with his conduct throughout the pandemic, where lockdowns were a last resort and restrictions were to be shelved as soon as possible, but also with the political platform that elevated him to the highest office. After all, this is the man who rose to power — bringing about Brexit in the process — on the promise to restore “freedom” and “take back control.”

Undeterred by the pandemic, Mr. Johnson has been quietly pursuing that agenda. But instead of reforming the country’s creaking democracy and shoring up Britons’ rights, he and his lieutenants are doing the opposite: seizing control for themselves and stripping away the freedoms of others. A raft of bills likely to pass this year will set Britain, self-professed beacon of democracy, on the road to autocracy. Once in place, the legislation will be very hard to shift. For Mr. Johnson, it amounts to a concerted power grab.

It’s also an answer. A political chameleon, Mr. Johnson’s true ideological bent — liberal? one-nation Tory? English nationalist? — has long been a subject of speculation. Now he has, beyond any doubt, revealed who he really is: a brattish authoritarian who puts his personal whims above anything else. And whatever his future, Britain will be remade in his image.

Amid the chaos wrought by the pandemic, Brexit tumult and increasing questions about the stability of Mr. Johnson’s individual position, the full scale of the impending assault on civil liberties has — understandably — not yet come into focus for much of the British public. The list of legislation is long and deliberately overwhelming. But pieced together, the picture is bleakly repressive.

First, there’s the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, a draconian and broad piece of legislation that effectively bans protest in England and Wales. The police would be equipped to shut down demonstrations that create “serious disruption.” Those who break this condition, which could be done just by making noise, would face prison sentences or hefty fines. Combined with other measures, such as outlawing traditional direct-action tactics like “locking on,” the bill could eventually make it almost impossible to attend a demonstration without committing an offense.

Yet it goes beyond protest, putting minority groups in the cross hairs. New trespass provisions, which make “residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle” a criminal offense, would essentially erase nomadic Gypsy, Roma and Traveler communities from public life. And the expansion of police powers would not only allow officers widespread access to private education and health care records, but also pave the way for suspicionless stop and search. Ethnic minority communities, disproportionately singled out for police attention, are likely to bear the brunt of such overreach.

Similarly punitive is the Nationality and Borders Bill. Stiffening Britain’s already hawkish immigration policy, it seeks to criminalize asylum seekers who take unsanctioned routes: Refugees who arrive by boat, for example, could face up to four years in prison, regardless of the validity of their claim for safe haven. And if claimants escape traditional jail, they would be kept in concentration camp-style housing and offshore processing centers, sites long denounced by human rights activists.

Not even British citizens are safe from the dragnet. A provision slipped into the bill in November by its architect, the home secretary, Priti Patel, would endow the government with the power to remove British citizenship from dual nationals without notice. Those singled out might not even have recourse to the law: Proposed reform of the Human Rights Act would make it easier for the government to deport foreign nationals and deny them claims of mistreatment.

Such draconian measures, in time, are sure to be contested. But the government has a plan for that: draining the life blood from democracy. There’s the Elections Bill, which — alongside potentially disenfranchising millions through the introduction of mandatory voter ID — aims to furnish the government with new powers over the independent elections regulator, sealing up the political process. Unless substantially amended, the bill’s consequences could be constitutionally far-reaching.

The urge to centralize power also underlies the Judicial Review and Courts Bill, which would enable Mr. Johnson and his ministers to overrule judicial review findings that challenge their agenda. The Online Safety Bill, ostensibly designed to regulate Big Tech, is yet to be introduced to Parliament. But many free-speech advocates fear that it could be used to silence critics on social media, censoring those reporting details Mr. Johnson’s government would rather keep from public view. No more pesky judges or overly inquisitive journalists interfering with government business.

It’s a truism that nations sleepwalk into tyranny, and England — the most politically powerful of the nations comprising Britain — is no exception. For decades it has possessed all the necessary ingredients: ever more spiteful nationalism, press fealty sold to the highest bidder and a fervent, misplaced belief that authoritarianism could never set up shop here, because we simply wouldn’t let it.

In this event, though, concerted opposition to Mr. Johnson’s plans has not materialized. Establishment politics have been no match for the determination of Mr. Johnson and his allies: A hefty and largely supportive Conservative majority means that even when the Labour Party has decided to oppose legislation, its votes have barely counted. And despite valiant efforts by a coalition of grass-roots groups and the initial groundswell of the “Kill the Bill” protests, a mass movement opposing these bills has failed to come together. Instead, a miasma of grim inevitability has settled in.

That’s dangerous, not least because this authoritarian assault is so comprehensive that once settled as law, it will prove very tricky to unpick. Like many leaders who seek to transcend the constraints of democracy, Mr. Johnson may not foresee a future where he isn’t the one calling the shots. But the miserable shadow his power grab will cast over Britain is likely to last far longer than the tenure of the would-be “world king” himself.

His place in the history books, however, is secured. He will forever be the libertine whose pursuit of personal freedom and “control” saw his countrymen robbed of theirs.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, bruised by scandal and faced with an alarming rise in coronavirus cases, is refusing to change course. “We have a chance,” he bullishly proclaimed on Jan. 4, “to ride out this Omicron wave without shutting down our country once again.” Public health experts may disagree. Yet Mr. Johnson is at least being consistent — not only with his conduct throughout the pandemic, where lockdowns were a last resort and restrictions were to be shelved as soon as possible, but also with the political platform that elevated him to the highest office. After all, this is the man who rose to power — bringing about Brexit in the process — on the promise to restore “freedom” and “take back control.” Undeterred by the pandemic, Mr. Johnson has been quietly pursuing that agenda. But instead of reforming the country’s creaking democracy and shoring up Britons’ rights, he and his lieutenants are doing the opposite: seizing control for themselves and stripping away the freedoms of others. A raft of bills likely to pass this year will set Britain, self-professed beacon of democracy, on the road to autocracy. Once in place, the legislation will be very hard to shift. For Mr. Johnson, it amounts to a concerted power grab. It’s also an answer. A political chameleon, Mr. Johnson’s true ideological bent — liberal? one-nation Tory? English nationalist? — has long been a subject of speculation. Now he has, beyond any doubt, revealed who he really is: a brattish authoritarian who puts his personal whims above anything else. And whatever his future, Britain will be remade in his image. Amid the chaos wrought by the pandemic, Brexit tumult and increasing questions about the stability of Mr. Johnson’s individual position, the full scale of the impending assault on civil liberties has — understandably — not yet come into focus for much of the British public. The list of legislation is long and deliberately overwhelming. But pieced together, the picture is bleakly repressive. First, there’s the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, a draconian and broad piece of legislation that effectively bans protest in England and Wales. The police would be equipped to shut down demonstrations that create “serious disruption.” Those who break this condition, which could be done just by making noise, would face prison sentences or hefty fines. Combined with other measures, such as outlawing traditional direct-action tactics like “locking on,” the bill could eventually make it almost impossible to attend a demonstration without committing an offense. Yet it goes beyond protest, putting minority groups in the cross hairs. New trespass provisions, which make “residing on land without consent in or with a vehicle” a criminal offense, would essentially erase nomadic Gypsy, Roma and Traveler communities from public life. And the expansion of police powers would not only allow officers widespread access to private education and health care records, but also pave the way for suspicionless stop and search. Ethnic minority communities, disproportionately singled out for police attention, are likely to bear the brunt of such overreach. Similarly punitive is the Nationality and Borders Bill. Stiffening Britain’s already hawkish immigration policy, it seeks to criminalize asylum seekers who take unsanctioned routes: Refugees who arrive by boat, for example, could face up to four years in prison, regardless of the validity of their claim for safe haven. And if claimants escape traditional jail, they would be kept in concentration camp-style housing and offshore processing centers, sites long denounced by human rights activists. Not even British citizens are safe from the dragnet. A provision slipped into the bill in November by its architect, the home secretary, Priti Patel, would endow the government with the power to remove British citizenship from dual nationals without notice. Those singled out might not even have recourse to the law: Proposed reform of the Human Rights Act would make it easier for the government to deport foreign nationals and deny them claims of mistreatment. Such draconian measures, in time, are sure to be contested. But the government has a plan for that: draining the life blood from democracy. There’s the Elections Bill, which — alongside potentially disenfranchising millions through the introduction of mandatory voter ID — aims to furnish the government with new powers over the independent elections regulator, sealing up the political process. Unless substantially amended, the bill’s consequences could be constitutionally far-reaching. The urge to centralize power also underlies the Judicial Review and Courts Bill, which would enable Mr. Johnson and his ministers to overrule judicial review findings that challenge their agenda. The Online Safety Bill, ostensibly designed to regulate Big Tech, is yet to be introduced to Parliament. But many free-speech advocates fear that it could be used to silence critics on social media, censoring those reporting details Mr. Johnson’s government would rather keep from public view. No more pesky judges or overly inquisitive journalists interfering with government business. It’s a truism that nations sleepwalk into tyranny, and England — the most politically powerful of the nations comprising Britain — is no exception. For decades it has possessed all the necessary ingredients: ever more spiteful nationalism, press fealty sold to the highest bidder and a fervent, misplaced belief that authoritarianism could never set up shop here, because we simply wouldn’t let it. In this event, though, concerted opposition to Mr. Johnson’s plans has not materialized. Establishment politics have been no match for the determination of Mr. Johnson and his allies: A hefty and largely supportive Conservative majority means that even when the Labour Party has decided to oppose legislation, its votes have barely counted. And despite valiant efforts by a coalition of grass-roots groups and the initial groundswell of the “Kill the Bill” protests, a mass movement opposing these bills has failed to come together. Instead, a miasma of grim inevitability has settled in. That’s dangerous, not least because this authoritarian assault is so comprehensive that once settled as law, it will prove very tricky to unpick. Like many leaders who seek to transcend the constraints of democracy, Mr. Johnson may not foresee a future where he isn’t the one calling the shots. But the miserable shadow his power grab will cast over Britain is likely to last far longer than the tenure of the would-be “world king” himself. His place in the history books, however, is secured. He will forever be the libertine whose pursuit of personal freedom and “control” saw his countrymen robbed of theirs.

Boris Johnson is revealing who he really is

Pics | Brits angrily contrast own lives during Covid lockdown when PM Johnson partied

A leaked email shows an aide for the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson inviting staff to "bring your own booze" to a gathering held during Britain's strict COVID-19 lockdown.

Leaked email shows UK PM's aide inviting staff to 'bring your own booze' party during COVID lockdown

Indian-origin Finance Minister of UK Rishi Sunak has emerged as the 'favourite' to be UK'S next Prime Minister. A survey says nearly half of all members in the Conservative Party want him to replace Boris Johnson. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Tories want Rishi Sunak to be UK'S next Prime Minister

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie&nbsp;were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News.

It is being said that around 40 staff gathered in Johnson’s residence in Downing Street for the drinks party, even though there was a restriction on social mixing.

An email was sent by the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to over 100 employees in Downing Street on May 20, 2020, ITV said.

The leaked email asked them to bring alcohol to the party and to “make the most of the lovely weather”.

Following the revelation, the Liberal Democrats called for a police investigation, following which the Scotland Yard announced that the Metropolitan Police is considering probing the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-former-aide-talks-about-another-party-in-no-10-garden-during-lockdown-in-2020-443153">UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020</a>

Johnson, who won a landslide victory in a 2019 election, has been facing criticism over allegations that there were parties in breach of COVID-19 rules in government offices, including his own.

London's police, which previously declined to investigate claims of government officials gathering during the national lockdowns, on Monday said it was in contact with the Cabinet Office after “widespread reporting” of breaches of health protection laws in Downing Street.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-would-be-a-better-prime-minister-for-uk-than-boris-johnson-poll-443631">Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll</a>

A senior government official, Sue Gray, is investigating allegations that at least five parties were held in government departments last year during COVID-19 lockdowns, reports Reuters.

It was Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings who was the first to claim in a blog that a drinks party had been held in the Downing Street garden in May 2020 despite warnings by him that it was against the rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News. It is being said that around 40 staff gathered in Johnson’s residence in Downing Street for the drinks party, even though there was a restriction on social mixing. An email was sent by the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to over 100 employees in Downing Street on May 20, 2020, ITV said. The leaked email asked them to bring alcohol to the party and to “make the most of the lovely weather”. Following the revelation, the Liberal Democrats called for a police investigation, following which the Scotland Yard announced that the Metropolitan Police is considering probing the event. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 Johnson, who won a landslide victory in a 2019 election, has been facing criticism over allegations that there were parties in breach of COVID-19 rules in government offices, including his own. London's police, which previously declined to investigate claims of government officials gathering during the national lockdowns, on Monday said it was in contact with the Cabinet Office after “widespread reporting” of breaches of health protection laws in Downing Street. Also read | Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll A senior government official, Sue Gray, is investigating allegations that at least five parties were held in government departments last year during COVID-19 lockdowns, reports Reuters. It was Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings who was the first to claim in a blog that a drinks party had been held in the Downing Street garden in May 2020 despite warnings by him that it was against the rules. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown

UK prime minister Boris Johnson is known to be marred with controversies. In one such controversy, former Downing Street advisor Dominic cummings has alleged on his blog that on 20th May of 2020 UK prime minister's officer invited people to socially distanced drinks.

United Kingdom: Boris Johnson accused of partying while Londoner's stayed home

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues.

After helping the Conservatives win a large majority in the 2019 election, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been facing increased grumblings of discontent within his party by the lawmakers and also common people in the country have been criticising him over a range of issues. Handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reported Downing Street garden parties during the lockdown, questions over who funded a pricey refurbishment of his apartment and the chaotic troops withdrawal from Afghanistan are some of the hot topics that have marred Johnson's tenure so far. His popularity has seen a dip in the country and now a latest poll shows that nearly half of all Conservative members believe UK's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak would make a better Prime Minister than Johnson and they also think he could win more seats at the next election. ALSO READ | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 An exclusive poll for Sky News named YouGov assessed data after a survey of 1,005 Tories, which took place between December 30 and January 6. As per the survey, 46 per cent think that Sunak would win more seats in the next election and almost four in 10 say they think Boris is doing a bad job as the country's Prime Minister. However, some breather for PM Johnson as amid the growing concerns, a majority still supports him with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down. But is 59 a good percent for the Conservatives ahead of the next election?. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Is 'Deltacron' a new variant? A UK virologist explains what it could possibly be A leadership contest? The poll reflects the mood of Johnson's lawmakers amid the ongoing controversies. But will there be any leadership challenge in the country? Yes, it can be triggered if 15 per cent of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party's "1922 Committee", which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs. Who could replace Johnson? Possible replacements of Boris Johnson are Sunak, who has had a high profile role in publicising the government's support for the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign minister Liz Truss, who is popular among grassroots party members. × (With inputs from agencies)

Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll

Dominic Cummings, former aide&nbsp;of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party.&nbsp;

In his latest blog post, Cummings has alleged that The Guardian photo that showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country was not a 'party' or 'rule breaking'. The photo was apparently taken on May 15, 2020. &nbsp;

He then said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020, adding that Johnson has told "multiple lies about parties in December 2020" and forced or encouraged others to tell the media untrue things.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-defence-force-to-create-guidelines-for-soldiers-on-social-media-443138">Israel's defence force to create guidelines for soldiers on social media</a>

In his post, he noted, "I was ill and went home to bed early that afternoon but am told this event definitely happened."

Part of his post read: "The PM's failure to remove people who could not do their jobs properly made his own terrible decision-making even worse and meant more people died unnecessarily. This problem has got worse throughout 2020."

"In my opinion it would not be fair for most officials who went to the garden for drinks on 20 May to be punished because, given the nature of the invitation, a junior official would be justified in thinking 'this must somehow be within the rules or X would not have invited me'," it added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-residents-work-on-a-friday-for-the-first-time-saturday-sunday-to-be-weekends-443126">UAE residents work on a Friday for the first time; Saturday-Sunday to be weekends</a>

The photo of the garden party didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Dominic Cummings, former aide of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party.

Dominic Cummings, former aide of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a fresh claim related to another lockdown-breaking party in the Downing Street garden party. In his latest blog post, Cummings has alleged that The Guardian photo that showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country was not a 'party' or 'rule breaking'. The photo was apparently taken on May 15, 2020. He then said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020, adding that Johnson has told "multiple lies about parties in December 2020" and forced or encouraged others to tell the media untrue things. ALSO READ | Israel's defence force to create guidelines for soldiers on social media In his post, he noted, "I was ill and went home to bed early that afternoon but am told this event definitely happened." Part of his post read: "The PM's failure to remove people who could not do their jobs properly made his own terrible decision-making even worse and meant more people died unnecessarily. This problem has got worse throughout 2020." "In my opinion it would not be fair for most officials who went to the garden for drinks on 20 May to be punished because, given the nature of the invitation, a junior official would be justified in thinking 'this must somehow be within the rules or X would not have invited me'," it added. ALSO READ | UAE residents work on a Friday for the first time; Saturday-Sunday to be weekends The photo of the garden party didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.

UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has said that the borders bill will end appalling, blatant abuse of the immigration and the asylum system.

She took to microblogging platform Twitter and said, ''We're changing UK laws to introduce new scientific methods for assessing the age of asylum seekers to stop these appalling abuses.''

In the latest crackdown against migrants, adults who pose as child asylum seekers could face X-ray age checks on borders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-announces-harsher-sentences-for-channel-migrants-395743">Also read |&nbsp;UK announces harsher sentences for Channel migrants</a>

"The practice of single grown adult men, masquerading as children claiming asylum is an appalling abuse of our system which we will end," Patel said in a statement.

A new committee will look at a range of scientific methods for determining age and assess their accuracy and reliability as well as considering medical and ethical issues.

The UK government's Nationality and Borders Bill is currently before parliament, promising tougher action against people smugglers and, controversially, migrants themselves.

If passed, the bill, opposed by rights groups, will allow the return of asylum seekers who have passed through so-called "safe third countries".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-tells-uk-to-get-serious-over-english-channel-migrant-issue-432185">Also read |&nbsp;Macron tells UK to 'get serious' over English Channel migrant issue</a>

According to analysis of Home Office data, last year, record numbers of more than 28,000 migrants who paid thousands of pounds to people traffickers arrived in the UK in often flimsy boats.

This was more than triple the numbers seen in 2020, with the higher numbers attributed to the smugglers' use of bigger boats to navigate one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.&nbsp;

Tragically, 27 migrants drowned off France on November 24 after they attempted to cross in a boat likened by French officials to a children's inflatable pool.

The high number of migrants crossing to Britain from mainland Europe has become a political headache for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The flow of migrants has also soured Britain's relations with France, prompting an unseemly blame game even as both sides try to disrupt the people trafficking networks.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has said that the borders bill will end appalling, blatant abuse of the immigration and the asylum system. She took to microblogging platform Twitter and said, ''We're changing UK laws to introduce new scientific methods for assessing the age of asylum seekers to stop these appalling abuses.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has said that the borders bill will end appalling, blatant abuse of the immigration and the asylum system. She took to microblogging platform Twitter and said, ''We're changing UK laws to introduce new scientific methods for assessing the age of asylum seekers to stop these appalling abuses.'' In the latest crackdown against migrants, adults who pose as child asylum seekers could face X-ray age checks on borders. Also read | UK announces harsher sentences for Channel migrants "The practice of single grown adult men, masquerading as children claiming asylum is an appalling abuse of our system which we will end," Patel said in a statement. A new committee will look at a range of scientific methods for determining age and assess their accuracy and reliability as well as considering medical and ethical issues. The UK government's Nationality and Borders Bill is currently before parliament, promising tougher action against people smugglers and, controversially, migrants themselves. If passed, the bill, opposed by rights groups, will allow the return of asylum seekers who have passed through so-called "safe third countries". Also read | Macron tells UK to 'get serious' over English Channel migrant issue According to analysis of Home Office data, last year, record numbers of more than 28,000 migrants who paid thousands of pounds to people traffickers arrived in the UK in often flimsy boats. This was more than triple the numbers seen in 2020, with the higher numbers attributed to the smugglers' use of bigger boats to navigate one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Tragically, 27 migrants drowned off France on November 24 after they attempted to cross in a boat likened by French officials to a children's inflatable pool. The high number of migrants crossing to Britain from mainland Europe has become a political headache for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The flow of migrants has also soured Britain's relations with France, prompting an unseemly blame game even as both sides try to disrupt the people trafficking networks. (With inputs from agencies)

Priti Patel says borders bill will end appalling abuse of immigration

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country.

The prime minister’s comments come amid growing calls to tighten restrictions over the festive period in England, unlike in other UK regions where nightclubs have closed and there are limits on social gatherings.

Speaking to reporters on a visit to Buckinghamshire, the prime minister said the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations.

Defending his move to impose lighter restrictions, he said, “Mixture of things we're doing at the moment were the correct measures.”

The prime minister stressed continuing with “Plan B”, which includes mask wearing in certain indoor settings and guidance to work from home where possible, ensuring it is taken “seriously” by people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-levels-of-coronavirus-revealed-in-wastewater-samples-across-united-states-442013">Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US</a>

On Monday, 157,758 new coronavirus cases were reported across England and Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland to be reported after the holiday weekend.

A further 42 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test were reported in England.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-2700-flights-cancelled-in-united-states-due-to-omicron-related-disruptions-441784" hreflang="en">Over 2,700 flights cancelled in United States due to Omicron-related disruptions</a>

Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, The Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier.

The number of people in hospital with Covid in England was reported on Sunday as the highest since February at more than 13,000, with 769 of those on ventilators.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country.

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country. The prime minister’s comments come amid growing calls to tighten restrictions over the festive period in England, unlike in other UK regions where nightclubs have closed and there are limits on social gatherings. Speaking to reporters on a visit to Buckinghamshire, the prime minister said the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations. Defending his move to impose lighter restrictions, he said, “Mixture of things we're doing at the moment were the correct measures.” The prime minister stressed continuing with “Plan B”, which includes mask wearing in certain indoor settings and guidance to work from home where possible, ensuring it is taken “seriously” by people. Also read | Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US On Monday, 157,758 new coronavirus cases were reported across England and Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland to be reported after the holiday weekend. A further 42 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test were reported in England. Also read | Over 2,700 flights cancelled in United States due to Omicron-related disruptions Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, The Sunday Times newspaper reported. Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier. The number of people in hospital with Covid in England was reported on Sunday as the highest since February at more than 13,000, with 769 of those on ventilators. (With inputs from agencies)

UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases

When it comes to Omicron in England, the country imposed limited measures known as Plan B last month those measures include wearing of face coverings on public transport and in shops but the government stopped short of ordering restrictions to close businesses or restrict numbers at gatherings.

England wakes up to new Omicron surge, PM Boris Johnson resists new restrictions

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism amid reports that he failed to self-isolate last year after coming into contact with a member of his team who tested positive for Covid.

According to the Mirror, which cited sources, the prime minister is said to have stood “close” to a videographer while recording his official New Year message on December 31, 2020, when the nation was facing the devastating second wave of Covid.

The videographer, who was not wearing a mask, later informed officials and&nbsp;staff members who were present in the room and they were all asked to self-isolate for ten days —under the official guidance at the time, the Mirror reported.

However, the prime minister was reportedly not asked to isolate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-levels-of-coronavirus-revealed-in-wastewater-samples-across-united-states-442013">Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US</a>

A Downing Street spokesperson told The Mirror: “The prime minister was socially distanced from the individual who subsequently tested positive and the duration of the filming was shorter than 15 minutes.”

“This has been reaffirmed by those present. He was not advised to isolate as the rules did not require him to do so.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-hospitals-to-face-considerable-pressure-says-pm-johnson-amid-record-omicron-cases-442089">UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases</a>

The latest revelations come on the backdrop of UK reporting record Covid cases fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Over Christmas and New Year, the highly transmissible Omicron variant pushed Britain's daily new caseload rising, with 157,758 infections in England and Scotland on Monday.&nbsp;

Johnson had earlier sounded alarm that the public hospitals are likely to face “considerable” pressure due to rising cases.

Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier.

&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism amid reports that he failed to self-isolate last year after coming into contact with a member of his team who tested positive for Covid.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting criticism amid reports that he failed to self-isolate last year after coming into contact with a member of his team who tested positive for Covid. According to the Mirror, which cited sources, the prime minister is said to have stood “close” to a videographer while recording his official New Year message on December 31, 2020, when the nation was facing the devastating second wave of Covid. The videographer, who was not wearing a mask, later informed officials and staff members who were present in the room and they were all asked to self-isolate for ten days —under the official guidance at the time, the Mirror reported. However, the prime minister was reportedly not asked to isolate. Also read | Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US A Downing Street spokesperson told The Mirror: “The prime minister was socially distanced from the individual who subsequently tested positive and the duration of the filming was shorter than 15 minutes.” “This has been reaffirmed by those present. He was not advised to isolate as the rules did not require him to do so.” Also read | UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases The latest revelations come on the backdrop of UK reporting record Covid cases fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Over Christmas and New Year, the highly transmissible Omicron variant pushed Britain's daily new caseload rising, with 157,758 infections in England and Scotland on Monday. Johnson had earlier sounded alarm that the public hospitals are likely to face “considerable” pressure due to rising cases. Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson in soup for not self-isolating after contact with Covid positive colleague

The UK government has asked public sector managers to test their contingency plans against a worst-case scenario.

The UK government pushes for contingency plans against a worst-case scenario

The United Kingdom has hit another record high for daily COVID cases, with over 180,000 reported in the last 24 hours, but there is growing frustration.

Makeshift hospitals to be set up in the UK amid record-high COVID-19 cases due to Omicron

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID19 cases

Queues outside test centers expand as the UK hits another record high for daily COVID cases

Amid the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and rapidly rising cases in the UK, Health Minister clarifies that no new restrictions are to be imposed before the end of 2021.

UK: No new restrictions for new year's eve amid Omicron scare & rising COVID-19 cases

In pics | Fortress on wheels: World leaders and their impenetrable official cars

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been hit by a deluge. A new covid variant, a rebellious conservative party, cascading questions about secret parties and collapsing poll ratings, has become good news for the opposition.

Boris Johnson hit by deluge of doubts, UK PM's approval ratings plummet

This week the global COVID cases shot up by almost about 500 per cent and what this means is that the average number of cases has increased pretty much on a day-to-day basis.

Omicron spreads across the world, with the UK becoming the worst-hit nation in Europe

On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the public to get vaccinated on Christmas Eve as a "wonderful" gift for the nation as cases soar.

Boris Johnson said that although little time remained to buy Christmas gifts, "there is still a wonderful thing you can give your family and the whole country... and that is to get that jab, whether it is your first or second, or your booster".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-it-mean-to-be-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-439428" hreflang="en">What does it mean to be ‘fully vaccinated’ against COVID-19?</a>

Prime Minister Johnson has rejected a harsher virus restriction over Christmas in England, despite an unusual surge of cases linked to the Omicron variant of coronavirus.&nbsp;As of now, he is focused on a campaign to provide booster shots to all adults by the end of the year.

As the UK set a new record of almost 120,000 cases in 24 hours on Thursday, he admitted that "after two years of this pandemic, I can't say that we are through it".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jolt-for-merck-as-france-cancels-order-for-covid-antiviral-drug-439397" hreflang="en">Jolt for Merck as France cancels order for Covid antiviral drug</a>

Last year, Johnson imposed a stay-at-home order on London and southeast England on December 19, which meant millions of people had to change their holiday plans.&nbsp;

This year he chose not to tighten rules, stating in his message, that "for millions of families up and down the country, I hope and believe that this Christmas is, and will be, significantly better than the last".

While encouraging people to enjoy a jolly family Christmas, he cautioned them to test themselves prior to meeting vulnerable relatives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-post-christmas-restrictions-to-be-announced-for-uk-says-sajid-javid-439336" hreflang="en">No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid</a>

If the pile of wrapping paper is bigger than last year due to more family members attending, it's because of the vaccine rollout, he stressed.

Additionally, he said that getting a vaccine complied with Jesus Christ's teaching that "we should love our neighbour as we love ourselves".

Reports of parties held by Downing Street and other government departments during lockdown periods have hurt Johnson's popularity, and his party lost a by-election in a previously safe seat this month.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Omicron exposes the healthcare systems of the west

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-omicron-exposes-the-healthcare-systems-of-the-west-439425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several of his own party members have also revolted against recent Covid measures, particularly the requirement to show Covid passes to enter crowded venues like nightclubs, which they perceive as violating personal freedom.

Parliament as a whole passed the measure, despite the opposition of almost 100 Conservative MPs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the public to get vaccinated on Christmas Eve as a "wonderful" gift for the nation as cases soar. Boris Johnson said that although little time remained to buy Christmas gifts, "there is still a wonderful thing you can give your family and the whole country.

On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged the public to get vaccinated on Christmas Eve as a "wonderful" gift for the nation as cases soar. Boris Johnson said that although little time remained to buy Christmas gifts, "there is still a wonderful thing you can give your family and the whole country... and that is to get that jab, whether it is your first or second, or your booster". Also read | What does it mean to be ‘fully vaccinated’ against COVID-19? Prime Minister Johnson has rejected a harsher virus restriction over Christmas in England, despite an unusual surge of cases linked to the Omicron variant of coronavirus. As of now, he is focused on a campaign to provide booster shots to all adults by the end of the year. As the UK set a new record of almost 120,000 cases in 24 hours on Thursday, he admitted that "after two years of this pandemic, I can't say that we are through it". Also read | Jolt for Merck as France cancels order for Covid antiviral drug Last year, Johnson imposed a stay-at-home order on London and southeast England on December 19, which meant millions of people had to change their holiday plans. This year he chose not to tighten rules, stating in his message, that "for millions of families up and down the country, I hope and believe that this Christmas is, and will be, significantly better than the last". While encouraging people to enjoy a jolly family Christmas, he cautioned them to test themselves prior to meeting vulnerable relatives. Also read | No post-Christmas restrictions to be announced for UK, says Sajid Javid If the pile of wrapping paper is bigger than last year due to more family members attending, it's because of the vaccine rollout, he stressed. Additionally, he said that getting a vaccine complied with Jesus Christ's teaching that "we should love our neighbour as we love ourselves". Reports of parties held by Downing Street and other government departments during lockdown periods have hurt Johnson's popularity, and his party lost a by-election in a previously safe seat this month. Watch | Gravitas: Omicron exposes the healthcare systems of the west Several of his own party members have also revolted against recent Covid measures, particularly the requirement to show Covid passes to enter crowded venues like nightclubs, which they perceive as violating personal freedom. Parliament as a whole passed the measure, despite the opposition of almost 100 Conservative MPs. (With inputs from agencies)

'Love thy neighbour': UK PM Johnson urges people to follow Jesus's teachings, get vaccine this Christmas

Covid-19 cases in the UK and France are rising at an unprecedented pace, the surge is being triggered by the highly infectious Omicron variant. UK PM Boris Johnson has given a Christmas eve message and strongly urged people to get vaccinated.

UK PM Boris Johnson urges people to get vaccinated as a Christmas gift

As concerns over the Omicron variant has gripped the world, the UK has recorded over 1 lakh cases in a single day, the highest recorded number of the cases since the pandemic began.

COVID-19: UK breaks single-day surge record with over 100,000 Omicron cases

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.&nbsp;

The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;

In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them.&nbsp;

The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-experts-disagree-with-boris-johnsons-plan-of-delaying-covid-regulations-438667">UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations</a>

The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week.&nbsp;

On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo.&nbsp;

Who leaked the photo?

The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there.&nbsp;

The office was apparently used by&nbsp;British Chancellor of the Exchequer&nbsp;Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source.&nbsp;

If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-at-work-talking-about-work-boris-johnson-reacts-to-downing-street-garden-party-photo-438627">'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo</a>

Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect."&nbsp;

As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government".

Is there a conspiracy?

The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country.&nbsp;

There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week.&nbsp;

Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career?&nbsp;

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Who said what to defend the government?

Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening."

After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden."

Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."

Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work."

Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work."

Here's how the public reacted

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On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris &amp; Carrie Johnson &amp; breaking all 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid</a> Lockdown rules. 
 
On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. <a href="https://t.co/9gT7Xe5wfZ">pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ</a>
— Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) <a href="https://twitter.com/spaceangel1964/status/1472853079993245696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hey, <a href="https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metpoliceuk</a>, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. 
 
Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 <a href="https://t.co/UamJp05u9Y">pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y</a>
— BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_BTT/status/1472650794684096518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM &amp; friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/ESx6AqZ3um">pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um</a>
— 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKGastroDr/status/1472841398483402755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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My Nan was home alone for months 
 
The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable 
 
The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking 
 
While they, relaxed and had a garden party! <a href="https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS">https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS</a>
— Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarketingproBen/status/1472674971763761158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” <a href="https://t.co/tHn8ITSST8">pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8</a>
— Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackferguson/status/1473379110361698305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day 
 
Hope you enjoyed the garden party <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0">https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0</a>
— Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhistlingDixie4/status/1472931836577947657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15.

Amid an alarming rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a barrage of criticism over a Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo was published in almost all media outlets in the UK on Sunday as the garden party row went viral and angered the public, becoming fodder for online backlash. The photo showed Johnson's staff laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. In the photo, Johnson can be seen sitting with his then-fiancee Carrie (now wife) and 17 other staff members with bottles of wine and a cheeseboard on a table in front of them. The picture included some of Johnson's top team such as former health secretary Matt Hancock and Dominic Cummings, principal private secretary Martin Reynolds, etc. ALSO READ | UK experts disagree with Boris Johnson's plan of delaying Covid regulations The photo didn't go well with the UK citizens, especially those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, which is still causing havoc across the country with a record rise in the number of cases in the past week. On one side, the ministers, who had been vouching for Covid measures during that time, urging citizens to follow social distancing and avoid public gatherings, are now being bashed. On the other side of this fiasco, there is a fuss about the 'insider' who leaked the photo. Who leaked the photo? The Daily Mail has reported that the photograph was believed to be taken from the first-floor veranda at the back of No 11 Downing Street. It is important to note that the offices of the Chancellor are there. The office was apparently used by British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's people, and anybody else going in would have been noticed, The Mail noted, citing a source. If no one from outside came in, then it appears that someone who works at No. 10 might have clicked it or got access to it. Someone can be anyone, including the staff members. ALSO READ | 'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo Over rumours and speculations about who leaked the photo and which staff members were present on that day, Johnson's press secretary told the Guardian: "I'm not going to get into confirming individual staff members, as you'd expect." As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government". Is there a conspiracy? The timing of this party-photo-being-public is quite questionable as the Johnson administration has been facing criticism over a range of issues, including the Covid situation in the country. There are talks about imposing fresh restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Also, the Conservatives lost a long-held parliamentary seat in a by-election last week. Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career? × Who said what to defend the government? Johnson's spokesman on Friday, after sources told the Guardian and Independent about the event: "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening." After seeing the photo, he said, "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion, there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister's home as well as his workplace. The prime minister's wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden." Raab on Monday said, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done." Johnson’s spokesman on Monday said, "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work." Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work." Here's how the public reacted On the left is leisurely garden party (I refuse to class this as working) with wine, attended by Boris & Carrie Johnson & breaking all 2020 #Covid Lockdown rules. On the right is an NHS nurse after her 2020 shift coping with Covid patients, trying desperately to save lives. pic.twitter.com/9gT7Xe5wfZ — Angela 🇪🇺💙 Rebel With Many Causes #ToriesOut (@spaceangel1964) December 20, 2021 × Hey, @metpoliceuk, here's the Prime Minister, his wife, and 17 other people at a garden party in Downing Street, held on 15th May 2020 - during lockdown. Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y — BelieveTheTruth 🇪🇺 (@Sam_BTT) December 19, 2021 × On Friday 15th May 2020 at 1 pm we held a minute’s silence on our ward (and throughout our hospital) in memory of those who died from Covid - little did we know that the PM & friends were enjoying a garden party that same afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ESx6AqZ3um — 𝗗𝗿 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆 𝗠 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮 (@UKGastroDr) December 20, 2021 × My Nan was home alone for months The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking While they, relaxed and had a garden party! https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS — Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) December 19, 2021 × Dominic Raab has come out in support of Boris Johnson bringing his baby to the lockdown garden party: “It’s an emergency services emotional support baby” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “Yes, that’s allowed!” pic.twitter.com/tHn8ITSST8 — Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) December 21, 2021 × Let’s remember that at end April 2020 I was reprimanded by someone from THE POLICE because I stopped in a park, alone and not near other people, to LOOK at a swan, while on a walk to clear my head before work on ICU next day Hope you enjoyed the garden party @BorisJohnson https://t.co/k0lwyDEON0 — Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) December 20, 2021 ×

Boris garden party: Who leaked the photo? Amid Omicron crisis, UK govt to hunt the 'insider'

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-hospitals-may-close-if-health-workers-refuse-to-get-vaccinated-nhs-leader-438467">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

"In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said.<o:p></o:p>

This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-its-booster-shot-is-effective-against-omicron-variant-438395">Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant</a></o:p>

However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-fifth-covid-19-wave-has-begun-says-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-438524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution."<o:p></o:p>

This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.<o:p></o:p>

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas. The leader, who is battling personal controversies, decided that his officials will keep a close eye on the situation and the Covid surge will stay "under constant review". Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant "In view of the balance of risks and uncertainties, particularly around the infection hospitalisation rate of Omicron... we agreed that we should keep the data from now on under constant review, keep following it hour by hour," Johnson said. This announcement comes at a time when scientific experts had been telling the government officials that strong action plan is needed to control the wide spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially its new Omicron variant. Also read | Moderna says its booster shot is effective against Omicron variant However, Johnson’s ministers decided that social distancing, limited gatherings and other such measures can be implemented after Christmas. Meanwhile, Johnson has assured that the health experts at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) will not suffer due to this surge in Covid cases. "We will have to reserve the possibility of taking further action to protect the public and to protect public health and protect our NHS (National Health Service) -- and we won't hesitate to take that action," Johnson said. WATCH | "We're looking at all kinds of things to keep Omicron under control and we will rule nothing out, but at the moment we want people to focus on exercising caution." This announcement by the government comes at a time when the country reported 91,743 new infections on Monday, with highest number of cases in London.

Boris Johnson decides on 'no lockdown' before Christmas

UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out in his own defense after a local newspaper published pictures of him and 18 others enjoying a quiet moment with wine in the 10 Downing Street residence’s garden.<o:p></o:p>

In a picture published in the local newspaper, the Guardian, Boris Johnson, his wife and 17 others were spotted sitting in the garden, enjoying wine during the May 2020 lockdown phase.<o:p></o:p>

While the internet, locals, opposition and critics slammed Johnson for having his 'wine and cheese' party, Johnson and his office have reacted to the photograph and have claimed that those were just 'work meetings'.<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/downing-street-garden-gathering-during-may-2020-lockdown-returns-to-haunt-pm-after-uk-paper-publishes-photo-438252">Downing Street garden gathering during May 2020 lockdown returns to haunt PM after UK paper publishes photo</a>

"This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work," Johnson said.<o:p></o:p>

As per Johnson’s spokesperson, this picture was clicked probably on May 15, 2020. On this day, PM’s spokesperson claims, the PM had held a few meetings in the afternoon in the garden area of his official residence.<o:p></o:p>

"In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening," the spokesman said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
May 2020. 
 
The guidance: 
“Social mixing between households limited to 2 people outdoors at least 2 metres apart. 
In workplaces, in-person meetings only if absolutely necessary” 
 
Boris Johnson: <a href="https://t.co/VZm0t4fE5F">pic.twitter.com/VZm0t4fE5F</a>
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidschneider/status/1472641021783777280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister’s home as well as his workplace. The prime minister’s wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden," he added. <o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

On Monday, the spokesman added that the picture showed government officers enjoying a moment of peace outside while discussing office work, which was not illegal. "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Dominic Raab, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, also jumped to defend the PM saying, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."<o:p></o:p>

UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out in his own defense after a local newspaper published pictures of him and 18 others enjoying a quiet moment with wine in the 10 Downing Street residence’s garden.

UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out in his own defense after a local newspaper published pictures of him and 18 others enjoying a quiet moment with wine in the 10 Downing Street residence’s garden. In a picture published in the local newspaper, the Guardian, Boris Johnson, his wife and 17 others were spotted sitting in the garden, enjoying wine during the May 2020 lockdown phase. While the internet, locals, opposition and critics slammed Johnson for having his 'wine and cheese' party, Johnson and his office have reacted to the photograph and have claimed that those were just 'work meetings'. Also read | Downing Street garden gathering during May 2020 lockdown returns to haunt PM after UK paper publishes photo "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work," Johnson said. As per Johnson’s spokesperson, this picture was clicked probably on May 15, 2020. On this day, PM’s spokesperson claims, the PM had held a few meetings in the afternoon in the garden area of his official residence. "In the summer months Downing Street staff regularly use the garden for some meetings. On 15 May 2020 the prime minister held a series of meetings throughout the afternoon, including briefly with the then health and care secretary and his team in the garden following a press conference. The prime minister went to his residence shortly after 7pm. A small number of staff required to be in work remained in the Downing Street garden for part of the afternoon and evening," the spokesman said. May 2020. The guidance: “Social mixing between households limited to 2 people outdoors at least 2 metres apart. In workplaces, in-person meetings only if absolutely necessary” Boris Johnson: pic.twitter.com/VZm0t4fE5F — David Schneider (@davidschneider) December 19, 2021 × "As we said last week, work meetings often take place in the Downing Street garden in the summer months. On this occasion there were staff meetings after a No 10 press conference. Downing Street is the prime minister’s home as well as his workplace. The prime minister’s wife lives in No 10 and therefore also legitimately uses the garden," he added. On Monday, the spokesman added that the picture showed government officers enjoying a moment of peace outside while discussing office work, which was not illegal. "This shows colleagues who were required to be in work, meeting following a press conference to discuss work … It was not against the regulations for those individuals to have a drink outside working hours, but still discussing work," he said. Dominic Raab, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, also jumped to defend the PM saying, "I think there’s a lot of exhausted people, and they, as people do in work, were having a drink after the formal business had been done."

'People at work, talking about work': Boris Johnson reacts to Downing Street garden party photo

Despite a rapid rise in the country's Omicron cases, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to take precautions and ruled out Christmas lockdown plans for now.

UK PM Boris Johnson: No Christmas lockdown for Britain yet amid rapid rise in Omicron cases

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced a string of allegations of partying while Covid restrictions were in place. Recently, Johnson has been pictured with wine and cheese alongside his wife and up to 17 staff in the Downing Street garden during lockdown.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces several allegations of lockdown parties

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