<p>William Wragg, who is a member of Boris Johnson's party and the chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee had accused No 10 of trying to "blackmail" Members of Parliament (MPs) seeking to oust the UK Prime Minister. He will now&nbsp;meet the police to discuss his allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wragg informed on Thursday that some Conservatives had faced intimidation and blackmail from government representatives because of their desire to topple Johnson in the wake of the "Partygate" scandal that has rocked the UK government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In reply, Johnson told broadcasters on Thursday that he had neither seen nor heard any evidence to support Wragg's claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Wragg will be meeting a Scotland Yard detective in the House of Commons early next week. The move is deemed crucial as it has raised the prospect of a police investigation.</p>

<p>"I stand by what I have said. No amount of gaslighting will change that. The offer of Number 10 to investigate is kind but I shall leave it to the experts. I am meeting the police early next week," he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-notebook-brian-laundrie-took-responsibility-for-gabby-petitos-death-in-us-says-fbi-446606">In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI</a></strong></p>

<p>In the latest development, The Guardian has reported that about a dozen Tory MPs have made allegations similar to Wragg's in the last few days to a colleague.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for the Rhondda said that he took the allegations very seriously. "I have even heard MPs alleging that the prime minister himself has been doing this," Bryant told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.</p>

<p>"What I have said to all of those people is that that is misconduct in public office. The people who should be dealing with such allegations are the police."</p>

<p>"It is illegal. We are meant to operate as MPs without fear or favour. The allocation of taxpayer funding to constituencies should be according to need, not according to the need to keep the prime minister in his job," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>London's Metropolitan Police said on Saturday it could not comment on any specific planned meetings. "As with any such allegations, should a criminal offence be reported to the Met, it would be considered," a spokesman said.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


William Wragg, who is a member of Boris Johnson's party and the chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee had accused No 10 of trying to "blackmail" Members of Parliament (MPs) seeking to oust the UK Prime Minister.

William Wragg, who is a member of Boris Johnson's party and the chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee had accused No 10 of trying to "blackmail" Members of Parliament (MPs) seeking to oust the UK Prime Minister. He will now meet the police to discuss his allegations. Wragg informed on Thursday that some Conservatives had faced intimidation and blackmail from government representatives because of their desire to topple Johnson in the wake of the "Partygate" scandal that has rocked the UK government. In reply, Johnson told broadcasters on Thursday that he had neither seen nor heard any evidence to support Wragg's claims. As per reports, Wragg will be meeting a Scotland Yard detective in the House of Commons early next week. The move is deemed crucial as it has raised the prospect of a police investigation. "I stand by what I have said. No amount of gaslighting will change that. The offer of Number 10 to investigate is kind but I shall leave it to the experts. I am meeting the police early next week," he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper. ALSO READ | In notebook, Brian Laundrie took responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death in US, says FBI In the latest development, The Guardian has reported that about a dozen Tory MPs have made allegations similar to Wragg's in the last few days to a colleague. Chris Bryant, the Labour MP for the Rhondda said that he took the allegations very seriously. "I have even heard MPs alleging that the prime minister himself has been doing this," Bryant told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. "What I have said to all of those people is that that is misconduct in public office. The people who should be dealing with such allegations are the police." "It is illegal. We are meant to operate as MPs without fear or favour. The allocation of taxpayer funding to constituencies should be according to need, not according to the need to keep the prime minister in his job," he added. London's Metropolitan Police said on Saturday it could not comment on any specific planned meetings. "As with any such allegations, should a criminal offence be reported to the Met, it would be considered," a spokesman said. × (With inputs from agencies)

UK lawmaker to meet police over No 10 'blackmail' accusations, other Tory MPs make similar allegations

Amid questions of whether UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will go or stay, a new damaging story has come to light. A few conservative party lawmakers have accused the British government of trying to intimidate and attempting to blackmail those lawmakers who they suspect might want to force the PM out of power.

Downing street Christmas party: Tory MPs who oppose Boris Johnson intimidated?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has found himself in the eye of a storm a raging storm which threatens to topple the prime minister from his office after new revelations about the 'bring your own booze' party surfaced.

Opposition mocks Downing street parties, calls for PM Boris Johnson's resignation grows louder

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus.</p>

<p>As Britain’s political establishment waits for the results of an internal investigation of the parties, a key question is whether it will trigger a plot against Johnson, and if so, who would make the first move against him?</p>

<p>There is no shortage of candidates, from the ambitious chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to the crowd-pleasing foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But the tactics and timing of a leadership challenge are fiendishly tricky, and few forget the old British maxim, “He who wields the knife never wears the crown.”</p>

<p>That may explain the uneasy lull that has settled over Westminster since last week, when Johnson was forced to apologize for social gatherings in Downing Street that breached lockdown restrictions. His allies and rivals alike are waiting to see how damaging the investigation will be, how badly the Conservative Party has slipped in the polls and whether a political king slayer emerges.</p>

<p>“It’s easy to judge these things looking back but very hard looking forward,” said Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. The dilemma, he said, was particularly acute for Sunak, who leads the polls of Conservative Party members and is Johnson’s most plausible replacement.</p>

<p>“There is a possibility that Sunak is riding the crest of a wave right now” and could miss his chance, Ford said. But perhaps the bigger danger is to strike now, only to open the way for a right-wing rival more favored by the Tory Party rank and file.</p>

<p>“There’s a risk he gets outflanked by Truss or somebody else,” he said, adding that a challenge to Johnson might be more likely after local elections in May that will test his party’s popularity.</p>

<p>The fragility of Johnson’s situation was evident in the cautious response of the senior members of his Cabinet. While Sunak said Tuesday that he believed Johnson, he urged the public to wait for the findings of the investigation. He also said that Britain’s ministerial code was clear about the consequences of lying to Parliament: The prime minister would have to resign.</p>

<p>Truss, whom Johnson elevated to foreign secretary in September, was more forthcoming. She said last week that she “100% supported him continuing to get on with the job.” But she added, “I completely understand people’s anger and dismay about what has happened.”</p>

<p>Johnson’s cause was not helped when his disaffected former adviser, Dominic Cummings, claimed Monday that he and another official warned the prime minister that the party in May 2020 would break lockdown rules and should be canceled. That contradicted Johnson’s claim in Parliament that he was not warned about the gathering and viewed it “implicitly” as a work event.</p>

<p>On a visit to a hospital Tuesday, Johnson again denied misleading Parliament. But in an interview with Sky News, he deflected a question about whether Cummings was lying, and he apologized yet again for “misjudgments” in how social gatherings were handled by Downing Street.</p>

<p>“Boris Johnson is not going to resign voluntarily,” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “He’s only going to go if he is shown the door by his own party.”</p>

<p>That is not as hard it used to be: Under Conservative Party rules, lawmakers can hold a binding vote of no confidence in Johnson if 54 of them write to formally request one. The request letters are confidential. So far only six Conservatives in Parliament have publicly called on Johnson to quit.</p>

<p>In a no-confidence vote, held by secret ballot, Johnson would keep his job by winning a simple majority of Conservative lawmakers. He would then be safe from another such challenge for a year unless the rules were changed.</p>

<p>But setting this process in motion could still depend on a first mover. Some of the jockeying will have to end when the internal investigation, led by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, is completed, probably within the next week. His potential Cabinet rivals will then have to either endorse him or quit, analysts said.</p>

<p>Sunak and Truss are the two rivals most frequently mentioned. As chancellor, the 41-year-old Sunak won plaudits for assembling gargantuan fiscal rescue packages early in the pandemic. More recently, however, he has become identified with looming tax increases that he says are necessary to fund the health care system and close the yawning public deficit.</p>

<p>Truss’ plain-spoken style and free-market ideology have made her popular with the base of the Conservative Party, no mean feat for a politician who came out against Brexit before the 2016 referendum.</p>

<p>Her profile has risen since Johnson put her in charge of negotiating the trade status of Northern Ireland with the European Union after the resignation of David Frost, a key ally who had hammered out the Brexit trade deal with Brussels.</p>

<p>If Truss can avoid a clash over Northern Ireland, said Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to France, “she could indeed be a force to be reckoned with when the Conservative Party starts looking for a new leader.”</p>

<p>Sunak could also try behind closed doors to put together a kind of unity ticket, in which he would line up the support of Truss and other potential candidates — like Jeremy Hunt, a former foreign secretary — by offering them plum jobs in a new government.</p>

<p>“They don’t have to wait until they have a consensus on a successor to get rid of Johnson,” Powell said.</p>

<p>There is a truism in Tory circles that challengers wreck their prospects through open disloyalty. That is what happened when Margaret Thatcher was toppled in 1990, and her longtime foe, Michael Heseltine, failed to win her job.</p>

<p>Yet that rule was disproved by the demise of Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, when his fingerprints were all over the murder weapon: In 2018, Johnson resigned as foreign secretary claiming that, under May’s Brexit plan, Britain was headed for the status of a colony of the European Union.</p>

<p>There is also the risk of failing to exploit a damaged leader’s moment of weakness. Even Johnson missed out on his first chance to become prime minister when he was ill-prepared for a leadership contest to succeed David Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the Brexit referendum.</p>

<p>During his brief premiership, Gordon Brown’s popularity plummeted, and there were rumors of a plot to challenge him by David Miliband, his popular foreign secretary. Miliband never struck, however. Labour lost the 2010 general election, and he even failed in a contest with his younger brother, Ed Miliband, to lead his party.</p>

<p>“Labour is influenced by the trade union ethic that one should not do someone out of his job,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at Kings College London. “The Tories are more ruthless because they have a governing vocation as the Democrats did in the U.S. under FDR and Truman, and the Republicans under Nixon, Reagan and Bush.”</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have crossed a political Rubicon in recent days over charges that he lied about Downing Street parties during the pandemic. But whether he is forced out of power could depend on whether one of his fellow Conservatives is ready to play the role of Brutus. As Britain’s political establishment waits for the results of an internal investigation of the parties, a key question is whether it will trigger a plot against Johnson, and if so, who would make the first move against him? There is no shortage of candidates, from the ambitious chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to the crowd-pleasing foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But the tactics and timing of a leadership challenge are fiendishly tricky, and few forget the old British maxim, “He who wields the knife never wears the crown.” That may explain the uneasy lull that has settled over Westminster since last week, when Johnson was forced to apologize for social gatherings in Downing Street that breached lockdown restrictions. His allies and rivals alike are waiting to see how damaging the investigation will be, how badly the Conservative Party has slipped in the polls and whether a political king slayer emerges. “It’s easy to judge these things looking back but very hard looking forward,” said Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. The dilemma, he said, was particularly acute for Sunak, who leads the polls of Conservative Party members and is Johnson’s most plausible replacement. “There is a possibility that Sunak is riding the crest of a wave right now” and could miss his chance, Ford said. But perhaps the bigger danger is to strike now, only to open the way for a right-wing rival more favored by the Tory Party rank and file. “There’s a risk he gets outflanked by Truss or somebody else,” he said, adding that a challenge to Johnson might be more likely after local elections in May that will test his party’s popularity. The fragility of Johnson’s situation was evident in the cautious response of the senior members of his Cabinet. While Sunak said Tuesday that he believed Johnson, he urged the public to wait for the findings of the investigation. He also said that Britain’s ministerial code was clear about the consequences of lying to Parliament: The prime minister would have to resign. Truss, whom Johnson elevated to foreign secretary in September, was more forthcoming. She said last week that she “100% supported him continuing to get on with the job.” But she added, “I completely understand people’s anger and dismay about what has happened.” Johnson’s cause was not helped when his disaffected former adviser, Dominic Cummings, claimed Monday that he and another official warned the prime minister that the party in May 2020 would break lockdown rules and should be canceled. That contradicted Johnson’s claim in Parliament that he was not warned about the gathering and viewed it “implicitly” as a work event. On a visit to a hospital Tuesday, Johnson again denied misleading Parliament. But in an interview with Sky News, he deflected a question about whether Cummings was lying, and he apologized yet again for “misjudgments” in how social gatherings were handled by Downing Street. “Boris Johnson is not going to resign voluntarily,” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “He’s only going to go if he is shown the door by his own party.” That is not as hard it used to be: Under Conservative Party rules, lawmakers can hold a binding vote of no confidence in Johnson if 54 of them write to formally request one. The request letters are confidential. So far only six Conservatives in Parliament have publicly called on Johnson to quit. In a no-confidence vote, held by secret ballot, Johnson would keep his job by winning a simple majority of Conservative lawmakers. He would then be safe from another such challenge for a year unless the rules were changed. But setting this process in motion could still depend on a first mover. Some of the jockeying will have to end when the internal investigation, led by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, is completed, probably within the next week. His potential Cabinet rivals will then have to either endorse him or quit, analysts said. Sunak and Truss are the two rivals most frequently mentioned. As chancellor, the 41-year-old Sunak won plaudits for assembling gargantuan fiscal rescue packages early in the pandemic. More recently, however, he has become identified with looming tax increases that he says are necessary to fund the health care system and close the yawning public deficit. Truss’ plain-spoken style and free-market ideology have made her popular with the base of the Conservative Party, no mean feat for a politician who came out against Brexit before the 2016 referendum. Her profile has risen since Johnson put her in charge of negotiating the trade status of Northern Ireland with the European Union after the resignation of David Frost, a key ally who had hammered out the Brexit trade deal with Brussels. If Truss can avoid a clash over Northern Ireland, said Peter Westmacott, a former British ambassador to France, “she could indeed be a force to be reckoned with when the Conservative Party starts looking for a new leader.” Sunak could also try behind closed doors to put together a kind of unity ticket, in which he would line up the support of Truss and other potential candidates — like Jeremy Hunt, a former foreign secretary — by offering them plum jobs in a new government. “They don’t have to wait until they have a consensus on a successor to get rid of Johnson,” Powell said. There is a truism in Tory circles that challengers wreck their prospects through open disloyalty. That is what happened when Margaret Thatcher was toppled in 1990, and her longtime foe, Michael Heseltine, failed to win her job. Yet that rule was disproved by the demise of Johnson’s predecessor, Theresa May, when his fingerprints were all over the murder weapon: In 2018, Johnson resigned as foreign secretary claiming that, under May’s Brexit plan, Britain was headed for the status of a colony of the European Union. There is also the risk of failing to exploit a damaged leader’s moment of weakness. Even Johnson missed out on his first chance to become prime minister when he was ill-prepared for a leadership contest to succeed David Cameron, who resigned as prime minister after losing the Brexit referendum. During his brief premiership, Gordon Brown’s popularity plummeted, and there were rumors of a plot to challenge him by David Miliband, his popular foreign secretary. Miliband never struck, however. Labour lost the 2010 general election, and he even failed in a contest with his younger brother, Ed Miliband, to lead his party. “Labour is influenced by the trade union ethic that one should not do someone out of his job,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a professor of government at Kings College London. “The Tories are more ruthless because they have a governing vocation as the Democrats did in the U.S. under FDR and Truman, and the Republicans under Nixon, Reagan and Bush.”

As Johnson reels from scandals, is someone plotting to take his place?

<p>A 5-year-old girl has taken&nbsp;the United Kingdom by storm, after a video of her chiding Prime Minister Boris Johnson for attending a party in Downing Street went viral.</p>

<p>Many were surprised with the girl’s grasp on the country’s state of affairs and her ability to understand why Johnson was wrong to attend the ‘bring your own booze’ party during the pandemic.</p>

<p>Layla Somani, from Leicester, Leicestershire, had been avidly following the news for the past week even as the prime minister was being severely criticised.</p>

<p>While eloquently explaining the pressing political situation to her grandparents Kanti Somani, 76, and Kusun Somani, 73, her mother Devina Somani, 37, filmed her hilariously detailed monologue on camera and shared it online.</p>

<p>The video left the social media users impressed, with many users hailing her as the “future PM”.</p>

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<p>In the funny clip, Layla says, “Boris Johnson told everyone to stay at home, but in lockdown, he just went down to a party, in the lockdown.”</p>

<p>“He’s been naughty, so he had to go to the naughty centre to tell everyone he's sorry for going to a party in lockdown. Now he can't be prime minister anymore and he can't go back to his prime minister home, so he's not prime minister anymore.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So, someone else is being prime minister and there will be a good prime minister, but Boris Johnson is not a prime minister anymore, he's a bad prime minister. But, if he's lucky, he can go back to his prime minister home and he can be a prime minister again. We'll see tomorrow if he's lucky.”</p>

<p>The video has had more than 55,000 views and 1,645 reactions.</p>

<p>Speaking to Daily Mail, Devina said, “We couldn't stop laughing. We couldn't believe how much she'd picked up.”</p>

<p>“When she was explaining it we thought 'oh my god'. We couldn't believe she'd learnt all this stuff and that she was absorbing it so well.”</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


A 5-year-old girl has taken the United Kingdom by storm, after a video of her chiding Prime Minister Boris Johnson for attending a party in Downing Street went viral.

A 5-year-old girl has taken the United Kingdom by storm, after a video of her chiding Prime Minister Boris Johnson for attending a party in Downing Street went viral. Many were surprised with the girl’s grasp on the country’s state of affairs and her ability to understand why Johnson was wrong to attend the ‘bring your own booze’ party during the pandemic. Layla Somani, from Leicester, Leicestershire, had been avidly following the news for the past week even as the prime minister was being severely criticised. While eloquently explaining the pressing political situation to her grandparents Kanti Somani, 76, and Kusun Somani, 73, her mother Devina Somani, 37, filmed her hilariously detailed monologue on camera and shared it online. The video left the social media users impressed, with many users hailing her as the “future PM”. × In the funny clip, Layla says, “Boris Johnson told everyone to stay at home, but in lockdown, he just went down to a party, in the lockdown.” “He’s been naughty, so he had to go to the naughty centre to tell everyone he's sorry for going to a party in lockdown. Now he can't be prime minister anymore and he can't go back to his prime minister home, so he's not prime minister anymore.” “So, someone else is being prime minister and there will be a good prime minister, but Boris Johnson is not a prime minister anymore, he's a bad prime minister. But, if he's lucky, he can go back to his prime minister home and he can be a prime minister again. We'll see tomorrow if he's lucky.” The video has had more than 55,000 views and 1,645 reactions. Speaking to Daily Mail, Devina said, “We couldn't stop laughing. We couldn't believe how much she'd picked up.” “When she was explaining it we thought 'oh my god'. We couldn't believe she'd learnt all this stuff and that she was absorbing it so well.” (With inputs from agencies)

5-year-old girl hilariously trolls Johnson over ‘partygate’, netizens hail 'future UK PM’

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-rishi-sunak-tipped-to-replace-johnson-as-pm-report-445193">Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The image, which was&nbsp;first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club.</p>

<p>As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement&nbsp;on September 17 in&nbsp;2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden,&nbsp;London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa.&nbsp;Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. <strong>Check it out here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTTO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTTO</a> <a href="https://t.co/a3AkDCGfIE">pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE</a></p>
— UK is with EU (@ukiswitheu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukiswitheu/status/1482496386033754113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign.</p>

<p>Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger.</p>

<p>"I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament.</p>

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a massive backlash for breaking coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown for Downing Street parties. Now, another photo has emerged showing Johnson's wife Carrie flouting social distancing rules during the country-wide lockdown in 2020. The photo is claimed to be of the time when the authorities in the United Kingdom warned the public that they should keep their distance from anyone they do not live with. ALSO READ | Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report The image, which was first published by The Telegraph, shows Carrie Johnson with an old school friend Anna Pinder at a private members' club. As per the media reports, both were celebrating Pinder's engagement on September 17 in 2020 at The Conduit, which is a private members' club in Covent Garden, London. The picture shows Carrie hugging her friend and they also can be seen sitting side-by-side on a sofa. Image grabs of the same media report were circulated on social media forums. Check it out here: Carrie Johnson pictured breaking covid rules#GTTO pic.twitter.com/a3AkDCGfIE — UK is with EU (@ukiswitheu) January 15, 2022 × Earlier, Johnson apologised on Wednesday for attending a "bring your own booze" gathering at his official residence during Britain's first coronavirus lockdown, as a senior figure in his party and opponents said he should resign. Not just this, reports have emerged of several other parties, including weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', which were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 Downing Street staff every week. In his apology, Johnson admitted for the first time that he had attended the party at 10 Downing Street in May 2020 when COVID-19 rules limited social gatherings to a bare minimum, saying he understood public anger. "I know the rage they feel with me over the government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules," an ashen-faced Johnson told parliament. ×

After Boris Johnson, his wife pictured breaking COVID-19 rules, hugging friend - see pic

<p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is going through fire and water right now after multiple reports of Downing Street parties emerged. Johnson faced public outrage over gatherings in No 10 when such festivities were banned and Britons were not allowed to socialise indoors during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday (January 12) Johnson apologised for a party that was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. Cummings said the probe should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the apology will mean little to the public if reports of such parties, gatherings, festivities will keep emerging of the time when the country was reeling with a deadly Covid wave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-was-a-forced-apology-netizens-slam-boris-johnson-for-bring-your-own-booze-party-at-downing-street-444329">'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK-based tabloid The Mirror reported citing sources that Boris Johnson attended those weekly gatherings and he encouraged the government aides to "let off steam".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports mentioned that the staff used wheely suitcases and took turns to stock up on drinks at the local Tesco Metro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 No 10 staff every week between 4pm and 7pm (local time).</p>

<p>The Times reported citing Downing Street insider that it was a "culture of 3am sessions", adding, "People used to sleep off their hangovers in the buildings overnight on sofas and in the mornings there were empty drinks on the desks that the cleaners had to pick up. There was a culture of boozing."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is this the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tippingpoint?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tippingpoint</a> ?<br />
<br />
13 parties we know about<br />
<br />
Wine time once a week by order of the PM<br />
<br />
Downing Street staff even purchased a wine fridge &amp; snuck it in through the back door &amp; trips to tesco for refills 😡<br />
<br />
While Rishi Sunak left 3 million <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExcludedUK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExcludedUK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ToriesOutNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ToriesOutNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gwd22512wI">pic.twitter.com/Gwd22512wI</a></p>
— kerry ✊💙 (@hewitson10) <a href="https://twitter.com/hewitson10/status/1482093759156400129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Party on the eve of&nbsp;Prince Philip's funeral</strong></p>

<p>On Thursday, The Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, the parties were held between April 9 and April 17, a time when the country was in a period of national mourning after Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow as Boris has been criticised over a range of issues, from COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-which-face-mask-is-better-experts-weigh-in-on-how-long-should-you-wear-n95-masks-444754">COVID-19: Which face mask is better? Experts weigh in on how long should you wear N95 masks</a></strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is going through fire and water right now after multiple reports of Downing Street parties emerged. Johnson faced public outrage over gatherings in No 10 when such festivities were banned and Britons were not allowed to socialise indoors during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is going through fire and water right now after multiple reports of Downing Street parties emerged. Johnson faced public outrage over gatherings in No 10 when such festivities were banned and Britons were not allowed to socialise indoors during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020. On Wednesday (January 12) Johnson apologised for a party that was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. Cummings said the probe should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. But the apology will mean little to the public if reports of such parties, gatherings, festivities will keep emerging of the time when the country was reeling with a deadly Covid wave. ALSO READ | 'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold. UK-based tabloid The Mirror reported citing sources that Boris Johnson attended those weekly gatherings and he encouraged the government aides to "let off steam". Reports mentioned that the staff used wheely suitcases and took turns to stock up on drinks at the local Tesco Metro. The weekly gatherings, termed as 'wine-time Fridays', were even put into the electronic calendars of 50 No 10 staff every week between 4pm and 7pm (local time). The Times reported citing Downing Street insider that it was a "culture of 3am sessions", adding, "People used to sleep off their hangovers in the buildings overnight on sofas and in the mornings there were empty drinks on the desks that the cleaners had to pick up. There was a culture of boozing." Is this the #tippingpoint ? 13 parties we know about Wine time once a week by order of the PM Downing Street staff even purchased a wine fridge & snuck it in through the back door & trips to tesco for refills 😡 While Rishi Sunak left 3 million #ExcludedUK #ToriesOutNow pic.twitter.com/Gwd22512wI — kerry ✊💙 (@hewitson10) January 14, 2022 × Party on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral On Thursday, The Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. As per the report, the parties were held between April 9 and April 17, a time when the country was in a period of national mourning after Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip's death. Reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow as Boris has been criticised over a range of issues, from COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Which face mask is better? Experts weigh in on how long should you wear N95 masks ×

More trouble for Boris Johnson as Downing Street staff held 'wine-time Fridays' during Covid lockdown

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Boris Johnson to resign?</strong></p>

<p>In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-johnson-kim-kardashian-novak-djokovic-heres-a-list-of-most-famous-covid-19-rulebreakers-444829">Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>A possible police action?</strong></p>

<p>Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount.</p>

<p><strong>The story so far...</strong></p>

<p>Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised after reports of Downing Street parties and after-parties emerged. He faced a massive backlash from the opposition party and common people when reports suggested that the parties were held when such gatherings and festivities were banned in the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in 2020. As reports of more parties keep coming, the question here is: what will happen next? Will there be an official investigation? Will Boris resign? Read here what are the possibilities. Boris Johnson to resign? In a recent interview with Sky News, former Prime Minister David Cameron said, "He's [Boris] always been able to get away with things that mere mortals can't." Reports have stated that Johnson might treat the apology that he issued on Wednesday (January 12) as enough to get him off the hook. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson, Kim Kardashian, Novak Djokovic: Here's a list of most famous COVID-19 rulebreakers A possible police action? Boris could also be largely exonerated from responsibility by a senior civil servant, Sue Gray, who is conducting a fact-finding investigation into the claims. The Times on Friday said Gray's report was likely to conclude there was no criminal breach of coronavirus rules. London police have said they have been in touch with the Cabinet Office about the garden party claims but said Thursday their next step depends on what Gray says. It has been criticised for declaring it would not retrospectively investigate potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Should it launch a criminal probe, the pressure on Johnson would mount. The story so far... Johnson has faced heavy criticism over multiple incidents related to the handling of coronavirus (COVID-19). Firstly, reports emerged of Downing Street garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15. The photo of the same went viral. In the photo, Johnson's staff can be seen laughing and joking about in the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. Secondly, Boris apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during the lockdown after Dominic Cummings said that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. Downing Street apologises to the Queen for two parties held in Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral. The latest media reports have claimed that Downing Street held gatherings every week throughout the pandemic. The staff even invested in a £142 refrigerator to keep their beer and wine cold. × (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson 'partygate': Resignation or police action? What could happen next?

<p>Amid growing criticism and public outrage, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, recent reports suggest that more parties were organised. Accusing the Downing Street staff, Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, the gatherings were up of around 30 people during the time when restrictions were imposed and indoor mixing was banned in different households in the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the media reports have confirmed that&nbsp;Johnson was not at either gathering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-was-a-forced-apology-netizens-slam-boris-johnson-for-bring-your-own-booze-party-at-downing-street-444329">'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street</a></strong></p>

<p>The staff members are accused of bringing a suitcase "filled with bottles of wine" from a nearby shop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, the parties were held between April 9 and April 17, a time when the country was in a period of national mourning after Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BBC reported citing a spokesperson&nbsp;that Boris Johnson's former director of communications, James Slack, "gave a farewell speech" to thank colleagues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports mentioned that James Slack farewell party coincided with another gathering, which was happing in the No 10 basement. It was for PM Johnson's personal photographers.</p>

<p>Both the parties were merged later and continued past midnight in the No 10 garden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

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<p>Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders but also within his party as well. Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament. "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leader of the main opposition Labour party Keir Starmer&nbsp;said that the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added.&nbsp;</p>


Amid growing criticism and public outrage, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.

Amid growing criticism and public outrage, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had apologised for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020. Now, recent reports suggest that more parties were organised. Accusing the Downing Street staff, Telegraph reported two leaving parties or farewell parties were held in No 10 on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. As per the report, the gatherings were up of around 30 people during the time when restrictions were imposed and indoor mixing was banned in different households in the UK. Meanwhile, the media reports have confirmed that Johnson was not at either gathering. ALSO READ | 'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street The staff members are accused of bringing a suitcase "filled with bottles of wine" from a nearby shop. As per the report, the parties were held between April 9 and April 17, a time when the country was in a period of national mourning after Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip's death. BBC reported citing a spokesperson that Boris Johnson's former director of communications, James Slack, "gave a farewell speech" to thank colleagues. Reports mentioned that James Slack farewell party coincided with another gathering, which was happing in the No 10 basement. It was for PM Johnson's personal photographers. Both the parties were merged later and continued past midnight in the No 10 garden. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll × Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders but also within his party as well. Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament. "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC. Leader of the main opposition Labour party Keir Starmer said that the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added.

Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral

<p>Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment, Boris has been facing criticism over a range of issues and the reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note that the latest update about the gathering at Downing Street is different from the wine and cheese garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15 and a photo of the same went viral.</p>

<p>Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders, as some senior Tories have also called for him to resign and the latest piece of news has angered common people over the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>The news was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. In his blog post, he wrote that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, said the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament and was, politically, a "dead man walking". "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC, warning that Tory backbenchers could now hold a no-confidence vote.</p>

<p>Nigel Mills, another Conservative lawmaker, said: "If the prime minister knowingly attended a party I don't see how he can survive, having accepted resignations for far less."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bring-your-own-booze-party-row-johnson-says-sorry-as-oppn-tears-into-his-worthless-apology-444158">‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology</a></strong></p>

<p>In his apology, Boris said that he did not appreciate how the event would look to millions of Britons who were respecting Covid rules, even missing out on farewells to dying relatives.</p>

<p>"And to them and to this House I offer my heartfelt apologies," Johnson said in the UK's House of Commons. "With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside. I should have found some other way to thank them (his staff)," he added, admitting he had been present for about 25 minutes.</p>

<p>After the apology, netizens have flooded the social media platforms with memes&nbsp;to criticise Boris Johnson. Take a look at some of the reactions starting with Irish airline Ryanair's post in which UK PM's face has been used in an edited party-related meme with the caption: "Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020 <a href="https://t.co/pFqIz6dIqr">pic.twitter.com/pFqIz6dIqr</a></p>
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryanair/status/1481238702013796352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm 86, I've seen 17 Prime Ministers, some good, some bad - but Boris Johnson is the first who through a mixture of arrogance incompetence and dishonesty has actually managed to make the people less healthy and less wealthy, whilst simultaneously undermining democracy.<br />
Go. Now. <a href="https://t.co/kaRVoUz7z7">pic.twitter.com/kaRVoUz7z7</a></p>
— Roger Roberts (@LordRRoberts) <a href="https://twitter.com/LordRRoberts/status/1480888761730969604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very striking that <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> speaks again and again of “mistakes made” &amp; “mistakes we made” but he can’t bring himself to add the word “I”. Begs the question - is he apologising for his behaviour, that of his staff or just how things look?</p>
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcnickrobinson/status/1481240279550251010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s not the crime that gets you, it’s the cover-up!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceAndrew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceAndrew</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorisJohnson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/5tiZrbL9I3">pic.twitter.com/5tiZrbL9I3</a></p>
— Andy (@andy64410137) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy64410137/status/1481286509496094724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No lockdown rules were broken in this meme. 🤣<a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> - What I would have given for a party with my mates (or even work colleagues) in May 2020! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/government?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#government</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shambles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shambles</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZIVQtxHaY">pic.twitter.com/2ZIVQtxHaY</a></p>
— Kevin McKay (@kevinmckay) <a href="https://twitter.com/kevinmckay/status/1481307146084040707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excuse me whilst I just post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/borisjohnson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#borisjohnson</a> memes all night <a href="https://t.co/7kNEVjalog">pic.twitter.com/7kNEVjalog</a></p>
— LunaStar #F4VL (@LunaStarx1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LunaStarx1/status/1481316728059617285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">go on then <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> <a href="https://t.co/49FTFuGMMO">pic.twitter.com/49FTFuGMMO</a></p>
— janine (@janinemas0nn) <a href="https://twitter.com/janinemas0nn/status/1481360807015419904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I saw this posted on LinkedIn. Sadly I don't know who created it, but I thought <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> might find it useful. <a href="https://t.co/Iftbs45npa">pic.twitter.com/Iftbs45npa</a></p>
— Martin Bunny-hugging Wokeateer (@StarlingMoss) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarlingMoss/status/1481398879748829192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">no one:<br />
<br />
boris johnson on 20th of may 2020: <a href="https://t.co/tXXn6QlFmz">pic.twitter.com/tXXn6QlFmz</a></p>
— Dobby Club (@DobbyClub06) <a href="https://twitter.com/DobbyClub06/status/1481304818207580165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Unlike Boris Johnson I can tell you that I wasn’t at the Downing Street drinks party during lockdown because, unlike Boris Johnson, I don’t think the rules are just for other people.” <a href="https://t.co/SQtJx4e25b">pic.twitter.com/SQtJx4e25b</a></p>
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) <a href="https://twitter.com/Number10cat/status/1480903951079849989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020.

Amid growing calls of resignation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologised on Wednesday (January 12) for attending a party held in the Downing Street office during coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown in May 2020. From COVID-19 handling to expensive refurbishment of his apartment, Boris has been facing criticism over a range of issues and the reports of lockdown-breaching parties came as a massive blow. Important to note that the latest update about the gathering at Downing Street is different from the wine and cheese garden party, which apparently took place last year, on May 15 and a photo of the same went viral. Boris has been facing criticism from not only the opposition leaders, as some senior Tories have also called for him to resign and the latest piece of news has angered common people over the gathering when such festivities were banned in the country. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll The news was brought to notice by Dominic Cummings, who is a former aide of PM Johnson. In his blog post, he wrote that the investigation should be done on the "Socially Distanced Drinks" email sent on May 20, 2020. Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, said the public believed Johnson was "lying through his teeth". "The only question is will the British public kick him out, will his party kick him out, or will he do the decent thing and resign? The prime minister's a man without shame," Starmer added. Senior Conservative MP Roger Gale said it was now clear that Johnson had misled parliament and was, politically, a "dead man walking". "Unfortunately what the prime minister has said today leaves people like me in an impossible situation," he told the BBC, warning that Tory backbenchers could now hold a no-confidence vote. Nigel Mills, another Conservative lawmaker, said: "If the prime minister knowingly attended a party I don't see how he can survive, having accepted resignations for far less." ALSO READ | ‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology In his apology, Boris said that he did not appreciate how the event would look to millions of Britons who were respecting Covid rules, even missing out on farewells to dying relatives. "And to them and to this House I offer my heartfelt apologies," Johnson said in the UK's House of Commons. "With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside. I should have found some other way to thank them (his staff)," he added, admitting he had been present for about 25 minutes. After the apology, netizens have flooded the social media platforms with memes to criticise Boris Johnson. Take a look at some of the reactions starting with Irish airline Ryanair's post in which UK PM's face has been used in an edited party-related meme with the caption: "Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020". Boris Johnson for 25 minutes on 20 May 2020 pic.twitter.com/pFqIz6dIqr — Ryanair (@Ryanair) January 12, 2022 × I'm 86, I've seen 17 Prime Ministers, some good, some bad - but Boris Johnson is the first who through a mixture of arrogance incompetence and dishonesty has actually managed to make the people less healthy and less wealthy, whilst simultaneously undermining democracy. Go. Now. pic.twitter.com/kaRVoUz7z7 — Roger Roberts (@LordRRoberts) January 11, 2022 × Very striking that @BorisJohnson speaks again and again of “mistakes made” & “mistakes we made” but he can’t bring himself to add the word “I”. Begs the question - is he apologising for his behaviour, that of his staff or just how things look? — Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) January 12, 2022 × It’s not the crime that gets you, it’s the cover-up!#PrinceAndrew #BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/5tiZrbL9I3 — Andy (@andy64410137) January 12, 2022 × No lockdown rules were broken in this meme. 🤣@BorisJohnson - What I would have given for a party with my mates (or even work colleagues) in May 2020! #uk #covid #government #shambles pic.twitter.com/2ZIVQtxHaY — Kevin McKay (@kevinmckay) January 12, 2022 × Excuse me whilst I just post #borisjohnson memes all night pic.twitter.com/7kNEVjalog — LunaStar #F4VL (@LunaStarx1) January 12, 2022 × go on then @BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/49FTFuGMMO — janine (@janinemas0nn) January 12, 2022 × I saw this posted on LinkedIn. Sadly I don't know who created it, but I thought @BorisJohnson might find it useful. pic.twitter.com/Iftbs45npa — Martin Bunny-hugging Wokeateer (@StarlingMoss) January 12, 2022 × no one: boris johnson on 20th of may 2020: pic.twitter.com/tXXn6QlFmz — Dobby Club (@DobbyClub06) January 12, 2022 × “Unlike Boris Johnson I can tell you that I wasn’t at the Downing Street drinks party during lockdown because, unlike Boris Johnson, I don’t think the rules are just for other people.” pic.twitter.com/SQtJx4e25b — Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 11, 2022 × ×

'It was a forced apology': Netizens slam Boris Johnson for 'bring your own booze' party at Downing Street

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?

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Who leaked the photo?</strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>As per Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, whosoever made the photograph public wanted to "damage the Government".</p>

<p><strong>Is there a conspiracy?</strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Is there a conspiracy to make the most of the situation in an attempt to jeopardise Johnson's political career?&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Who said what to defend the government?</strong></p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>Johnson on Monday said, "This is where I live, it is where I work. Those were meetings of people at work, talking about work."</p>

<p><strong>Here's how the public reacted</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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.<br />
<br />
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></p>
— 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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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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.<br />
<br />
Hope this counts as evidence. You're welcome 👍 <a href="https://t.co/UamJp05u9Y">pic.twitter.com/UamJp05u9Y</a></p>
— 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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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— 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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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My Nan was home alone for months<br />
<br />
The loneliness and isolation meant my Grandads dementia accelerated to the point that he was unrecognisable<br />
<br />
The stories of despair I heard from people due to not seeing their family were heartbreaking<br />
<br />
While they, relaxed and had a garden party! <a href="https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS">https://t.co/JlAl4X8kYS</a></p>
— Ben Taylor (@MarketingproBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarketingproBen/status/1472674971763761158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— Zack Ferguson (@zackferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackferguson/status/1473379110361698305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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<br />
<br />
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></p>
— Aoife Abbey (@WhistlingDixie4) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhistlingDixie4/status/1472931836577947657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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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'

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>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></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">May 2020.<br />
<br />
The guidance:<br />
“Social mixing between households limited to 2 people outdoors at least 2 metres apart.<br />
In workplaces, in-person meetings only if absolutely necessary”<br />
<br />
Boris Johnson: <a href="https://t.co/VZm0t4fE5F">pic.twitter.com/VZm0t4fE5F</a></p>
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidschneider/status/1472641021783777280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">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></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

The British PM is under the spotlight after leaked video emerged online where Downing street staff was seen joking about Christmas party last year. The video shows Johnson's then press secretary Allegra Stratton was taking questions from her colleague.

Boris Johnson's aide Allegra Stratton resigns over Downing Street Christmas party

<p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued an apology for having a Christmas party during a lockdown last year.</p>

<p>Vowing ''disciplinary action,'' he has announced an internal probe of the leaked footage showing senior aides joking about a Christmas party.</p>

<p>However, despite apologising, Johnson denied that a party took place at Downing Street.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-video-over-christmas-party-during-lockdown-in-2020-adds-to-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-woes-435120" hreflang="en">New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes</a></strong></p>

<p>"I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing No 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures," he said.</p>

<p>"I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused... and I apologise for the impression that it gives."</p>

<p>At the time of the Downing Street gathering, tens of millions of people across Britain were banned from meeting close family and friends for a traditional Christmas celebration - or even from bidding farewell to dying relatives.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/letter-showing-uk-pms-role-in-animals-evacuation-from-kabul-surfaces-435031" hreflang="en">Letter showing UK PM’s role in animals’ evacuation from Kabul surfaces</a></strong></p>

<p>Labour party leader Keir Starmer called Johnson ''a parody of a prime minister.''</p>

<p>According to him, "They (Conservative Party members) knew there was a party, they knew it was against the rules, they knew they couldn't admit it, and they thought it was funny."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Does the Prime Minister think he has the moral authority to lead and to ask the British people to stick to the rules?" he asked.</p>

<p>During a raucous parliamentary question session, Johnson faced calls for his resignation from some opposition politicians.</p>

<p>Tory MP Roger Gale said, "This isn't a laughing matter."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dominic Cummings, an ex-chief aide of Johnson, hundreds of kilometres to stay away from his London home during a lockdown.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued an apology for having a Christmas party during a lockdown last year. Vowing ''disciplinary action,'' he has announced an internal probe of the leaked footage showing senior aides joking about a Christmas party.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued an apology for having a Christmas party during a lockdown last year. Vowing ''disciplinary action,'' he has announced an internal probe of the leaked footage showing senior aides joking about a Christmas party. However, despite apologising, Johnson denied that a party took place at Downing Street. Also read | New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes "I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing No 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures," he said. "I apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused... and I apologise for the impression that it gives." At the time of the Downing Street gathering, tens of millions of people across Britain were banned from meeting close family and friends for a traditional Christmas celebration - or even from bidding farewell to dying relatives. Also Read: Letter showing UK PM’s role in animals’ evacuation from Kabul surfaces Labour party leader Keir Starmer called Johnson ''a parody of a prime minister.'' According to him, "They (Conservative Party members) knew there was a party, they knew it was against the rules, they knew they couldn't admit it, and they thought it was funny." "Does the Prime Minister think he has the moral authority to lead and to ask the British people to stick to the rules?" he asked. During a raucous parliamentary question session, Johnson faced calls for his resignation from some opposition politicians. Tory MP Roger Gale said, "This isn't a laughing matter." Dominic Cummings, an ex-chief aide of Johnson, hundreds of kilometres to stay away from his London home during a lockdown. (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson apologises for video but still denies Christmas party

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street.</p>

<p>Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-was-boris-partying-when-britain-locked-down-433644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Alcohol flowed heavily&nbsp;at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media.</p>

<p>Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.''</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-reportedly-called-british-pm-boris-johnson-a-clown-amid-diplomatic-spat-433496">Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat</a></strong></p>

<p>However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London.</p>

<p>According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000.</p>

<p>UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the<strong>&nbsp;virus&nbsp;</strong>with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-imposes-new-measures-after-uk-reports-omicron-variant-cases-432441"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases</strong></a></p>

<p>Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson.</p>

<p>Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London.</p>

<p>Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues.</p>

<p>It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denied flouting coronavirus norms at a party held in 10, Downing Street. Johnson has been accused of hosting a packed party that violated restrictions imposed across the country last year on Christmas. Watch | Gravitas: Was Boris partying when Britain locked down? Alcohol flowed heavily at the ''cheek by jowl'' and was attended by 40 to 50 people as per reports by the British media. Upon being questioned about the incident by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, Johnson said ''all guidance was followed.'' Also read | Macron reportedly called British PM a 'clown' amid diplomatic spat However, he did not deny gatherings took place during a tier 3 lockdown in London. According to legal experts, if found guilty, he will be required to pay a hefty fine of up to £10,000. UK is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 10 million COVID-19 cases and more than 145,000 fatalities. Also read | PM Johnson imposes new measures after UK reports Omicron variant cases Johnson's government has been accused of 'staggering hypocrisy' as political row stalks illegal lobbying by Conservative MP Owen Paterson. Johnson faced separate claims of double standards after he flew back from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow to London. Reports said he returned for a reunion dinner at a men-only private club with old newspaper colleagues. It happened after he warned world leaders in Glasgow that future generations "will not forgive us" if they fail to confront climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson denies flouting coronavirus restrictions at boozy party held in Downing Street

For five days now, 3 Gurkha veterans have been sitting on a hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street. Gurkha soldiers have served in the British Forces for more than 200 years. But, many veterans are still denied equal pension. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: 3 Gurkha veterans on hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose personal finances have come under the spotlight over the renovation of his Downing Street apartment, has an unpaid debt of 535 pounds ($756.12) court records showed on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The court judgement seen by Reuters did not name the other party in the case, but listed Boris Johnson and the address of his 10 Downing Street office.</p>

<p>The record was dated October&nbsp;26 2020, and listed as 'Unsatisfied' meaning it was wholly or partly unpaid. It was first reported in the "Private Eye" magazine.</p>

<p>A spokesman for Johnson said his Downing Street office was "looking into this issue".</p>

<p>"I can confirm it is nothing to do with the refurbishment of the Downing Street estate where all such bills have been duly paid either by the government or by the prime minister personally," he said.</p>

<p>When asked whether there should be concerns over Johnson's finances, the prime minister's press secretary said: "You should not be concerned, no."</p>

<p>Johnson's finances have been the subject of extensive scrutiny in recent weeks, with electoral authorities investigating the funding of a refurbishment of his flat, and parliament investigating the declaration he made relating to a donor-funded foreign trip.</p>

<p>A county court judgement is issued when someone submits a claim and judges decide the money needs to be paid. The register of these judgements is used by banks and other financial institutions to determine an individual's credit rating.</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose personal finances have come under the spotlight over the renovation of his Downing Street apartment, has an unpaid debt of 535 pounds ($756.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose personal finances have come under the spotlight over the renovation of his Downing Street apartment, has an unpaid debt of 535 pounds ($756.12) court records showed on Wednesday. The court judgement seen by Reuters did not name the other party in the case, but listed Boris Johnson and the address of his 10 Downing Street office. The record was dated October 26 2020, and listed as 'Unsatisfied' meaning it was wholly or partly unpaid. It was first reported in the "Private Eye" magazine. A spokesman for Johnson said his Downing Street office was "looking into this issue". "I can confirm it is nothing to do with the refurbishment of the Downing Street estate where all such bills have been duly paid either by the government or by the prime minister personally," he said. When asked whether there should be concerns over Johnson's finances, the prime minister's press secretary said: "You should not be concerned, no." Johnson's finances have been the subject of extensive scrutiny in recent weeks, with electoral authorities investigating the funding of a refurbishment of his flat, and parliament investigating the declaration he made relating to a donor-funded foreign trip. A county court judgement is issued when someone submits a claim and judges decide the money needs to be paid. The register of these judgements is used by banks and other financial institutions to determine an individual's credit rating.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unpaid debt worth £535

<p>Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile&nbsp;number&nbsp;has been circulating&nbsp;online&nbsp;for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;phone&nbsp;number&nbsp;appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week.</p>

<p>When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the&nbsp;phone&nbsp;was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said.</p>

<p>British ministers are issued a government&nbsp;phone&nbsp;for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications.</p>

<p>Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal&nbsp;number&nbsp;with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports.</p>

<p>Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday.</p>

<p>It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.</p>

<p>Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details.</p>

<p>It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their&nbsp;number, he said.</p>

<p>Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's&nbsp;number&nbsp;being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said&nbsp;on Twitter.</p>

<p>But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security".</p>

<p>Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue.</p>

<p><strong>'Farrago of nonsense'</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a&nbsp;new&nbsp;YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic.</p>

<p>"Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll.</p>

<p>"Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said.</p>

<p>Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.</p>

<p>Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains".</p>

<p>The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes.</p>

<p>Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs.</p>

<p>Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until&nbsp;after&nbsp;next week's elections.</p>

<p>Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".</p>


Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct. The phone number appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week. When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the phone was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said. British ministers are issued a government phone for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications. Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal number with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports. Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday. It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details. It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their number, he said. Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's number being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week. That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said on Twitter. But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security". Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue. 'Farrago of nonsense' The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a new YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic. "Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll. "Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said. Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains". The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes. Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs. Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until after next week's elections. Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online

<p>After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson?page=1">Boris Johnson</a> about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment.</p>

<p>"We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred," the Electoral Commission said. "We will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-pms-let-the-bodies-pile-high-comment-creates-uproar-380851" hreflang="en">COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar</a></strong></p>

<p>The investigation will focus on whether any transactions relating to the works at Downing Street within the regime regulated by the commission and whether such funding was reported as required or not.</p>

<p>Johnson has, however, denied these allegations and his spokeswoman has claimed that all donations, gifts and benefits were declared timely. He also declared that no funds from his Conservative Party were used for refurbishments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-ask-government-to-publish-big-pharma-lobbying-messages-380300" hreflang="en">British lawmakers ask government to publish big pharma lobbying messages</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the rules, anything spent over the set value of 30,000 pounds of taxpayer-funded allowance for the refurbishment of the apartment has to be met by the prime minister. Johnson has reportedly spent over 200,000 pounds on the refurbishment but it is still unclear if he used some loan or has misused the Conservative Party’s funds.</p>

<p>His opposition, the Labour Party, has demanded an explanation on the same.</p>


After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment.

After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment. "We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred," the Electoral Commission said. "We will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case." Also read | COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar The investigation will focus on whether any transactions relating to the works at Downing Street within the regime regulated by the commission and whether such funding was reported as required or not. Johnson has, however, denied these allegations and his spokeswoman has claimed that all donations, gifts and benefits were declared timely. He also declared that no funds from his Conservative Party were used for refurbishments. Also read | British lawmakers ask government to publish big pharma lobbying messages As per the rules, anything spent over the set value of 30,000 pounds of taxpayer-funded allowance for the refurbishment of the apartment has to be met by the prime minister. Johnson has reportedly spent over 200,000 pounds on the refurbishment but it is still unclear if he used some loan or has misused the Conservative Party’s funds. His opposition, the Labour Party, has demanded an explanation on the same.

UK Electoral Commission to probe PM Boris Johnson's flat refurbishment funding scandal

<p>The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK.</p>

<p>"What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse. Also people use it interchangeably – systematic racism, structural racism [are] just being used wrongly," No. 10's commission’s chairman, Dr Tony Sewell, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.</p>

<p>While the report does agree that racism does exist in the country, it also boasts about achievements elsewhere and claims the country should be "a model for other white-majority countries".</p>

<p>The report is 264 pages long and has 24 recommendations, but has failed to impress the masses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyd-murder-trial-day-3-new-footage-from-inside-a-convenience-store-played-374631"><strong>Watch |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyd-murder-trial-day-3-new-footage-from-inside-a-convenience-store-played-374631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Locals have slammed the commission and accused them of forcibly pushing the idea of structural racism.</p>

<p>"The well-meaning idealism of many young people who claim the country is still institutionally racist is not borne out by the evidence," the report claims.</p>

<p>However, the masses disagree as they feel the report "fails to explore disproportionality in school exclusion, eurocentrism and censorship in the curriculum, or the ongoing attainment gap in higher education," a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are also disappointed to learn that the report overlooks disproportionality in the criminal justice system – particularly as police racism served as the catalyst for last summer’s protests. Black people in England and Wales are nine times more likely to be imprisoned than their white peers, and yet, four years on, the recommendations from the Lammy review are yet to be implemented," the spokesperson added.</p>

<p>The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has also reported that while the report suggests progress has been made in the past few years, the prime minister Boris Johnson believes "there was more work to be done".</p>


The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK. "What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse.

The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK. "What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse. Also people use it interchangeably – systematic racism, structural racism [are] just being used wrongly," No. 10's commission’s chairman, Dr Tony Sewell, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. While the report does agree that racism does exist in the country, it also boasts about achievements elsewhere and claims the country should be "a model for other white-majority countries". The report is 264 pages long and has 24 recommendations, but has failed to impress the masses. Watch | Locals have slammed the commission and accused them of forcibly pushing the idea of structural racism. "The well-meaning idealism of many young people who claim the country is still institutionally racist is not borne out by the evidence," the report claims. However, the masses disagree as they feel the report "fails to explore disproportionality in school exclusion, eurocentrism and censorship in the curriculum, or the ongoing attainment gap in higher education," a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK said. "We are also disappointed to learn that the report overlooks disproportionality in the criminal justice system – particularly as police racism served as the catalyst for last summer’s protests. Black people in England and Wales are nine times more likely to be imprisoned than their white peers, and yet, four years on, the recommendations from the Lammy review are yet to be implemented," the spokesperson added. The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has also reported that while the report suggests progress has been made in the past few years, the prime minister Boris Johnson believes "there was more work to be done".

UK does not have 'institutional racism'; UK model of racial equality: Downing Street

<p>Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 20 large lorries from various seafood companies across the UK were parked, with large slogans painted saying "Brexit Carnage" and "Incompetent Government Destroying Shellfish Industry!", Sky News reported.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Live video of lorries parking up around Westminster and in front of Downing Street. It could turn into a very aromatic day for the government. (Courtesy of 'Only Way Is Dutch' on Facebook.) ~AA <a href="https://t.co/G56NHJDDqJ">pic.twitter.com/G56NHJDDqJ</a></p>
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<p>One such vehicle was parked just metres from Downing Street, the official office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-warns-against-unthinking-sinophobia-amid-tensions-with-china-356542">UK PM Boris Johnson warns against 'unthinking Sinophobia' amid tensions with China</a></strong></p>

<p>Police were asking the drivers for details, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-move-to-247-vaccinations-soon-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-356493">Will move to 24/7 vaccinations soon, says UK PM Boris Johnson</a></strong></p>

<p>Several Scottish fishermen have not been able to send their stocks to Europe since the beginning of this year due to the launch of catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations, causing lengthy delays in delivery, which ultimately leads to a rejection from European buyers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK exports in huge numbers scallops, oysters, lobsters, mussels, langoustine and crab to the EU, and earlier these items were sent immediately to these nations after being harvested.</p>

<p>The seafood companies are "being tied in knots with paperwork requirements which would be easy enough to navigate", a spokesperson for DR Collin and Son, which participated in the protest with several lorries was quoted as saying by Sky News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, all the training is going to waste as the technology is outdated and cannot cope with the demands being placed on it - which in turn is resulting in no produce being able to leave the UK."</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules.

Calling the British government "incompetent", lorries that transport seafood have parked their vehicles near 10 Downing Street in London to protest against delays to travel into the European Union due to new Brexit rules. Over 20 large lorries from various seafood companies across the UK were parked, with large slogans painted saying "Brexit Carnage" and "Incompetent Government Destroying Shellfish Industry!", Sky News reported. Watch | Live video of lorries parking up around Westminster and in front of Downing Street. It could turn into a very aromatic day for the government. (Courtesy of 'Only Way Is Dutch' on Facebook.) ~AA pic.twitter.com/G56NHJDDqJ — Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) January 18, 2021 × One such vehicle was parked just metres from Downing Street, the official office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson warns against 'unthinking Sinophobia' amid tensions with China Police were asking the drivers for details, news agency Reuters reported. Also read | Will move to 24/7 vaccinations soon, says UK PM Boris Johnson Several Scottish fishermen have not been able to send their stocks to Europe since the beginning of this year due to the launch of catch certificates, health checks and customs declarations, causing lengthy delays in delivery, which ultimately leads to a rejection from European buyers. UK exports in huge numbers scallops, oysters, lobsters, mussels, langoustine and crab to the EU, and earlier these items were sent immediately to these nations after being harvested. The seafood companies are "being tied in knots with paperwork requirements which would be easy enough to navigate", a spokesperson for DR Collin and Son, which participated in the protest with several lorries was quoted as saying by Sky News. "However, all the training is going to waste as the technology is outdated and cannot cope with the demands being placed on it - which in turn is resulting in no produce being able to leave the UK."

Over a dozen lorries parked near Downing Street to protest against new rules

<p>Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.</p>

<p>Downing Street was forced to deny that Dominic Cummings and another advisor, Ben Warner, were members of the politically independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).</p>

<p>However, following reports in The Guardian newspaper, the government admitted that Cummings had sat in on group meetings, prompting the opposition Labour Party to ask for "answers" over his exact role.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-recuperating-from-covid-19-faces-lockdown-conundrum-294504"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Johnson, recuperating from COVID-19, faces lockdown conundrum</strong></a></p>

<p>The row emerged as the government's general COVID-19 approach came under increasing scrutiny and the official death toll approached 20,000 in one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic.</p>

<p>In a statement, a Number 10 spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE.</p>

<p>"Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual.</p>

<p>"They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-death-toll-drops-in-last-24-hours-as-infection-cases-rise-294338"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: UK death toll drops in last 24 hours as infection cases rise</strong></a></p>

<p>The statement added that it was "factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate" to suggest the committee's advice was affected by the government.</p>

<p>Until now, membership of the &nbsp;committee, which is a key body in shaping the UK's response to the pandemic, has not been made public.</p>

<p>Labour's health spokesman, John Ashworth told BBC radio on Saturday that his "concern" was "that political advisers have influenced the debate.</p>

<p>"The way to clear this up is for all the minutes to be published; we've called on the government to do this," he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-another-patient-new-zealand-nurse-tells-of-treating-british-pm-for-coronavirus-294210"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus</strong></a></p>

<p>The UK government has come under increasing pressure on a number of fronts in recent weeks, including criticism over shortages in personal protective equipment and a lack of widespread testing, particularly of frontline health and social care workers.</p>

<p>Questions have also been asked why it was slow in enforcing a nationwide lockdown to enforce social distancing measures.</p>

<p>There are also growing demands for a government exit strategy from the current lockdown, first imposed on March 23, extended on April 16 and due for review on May 7, as concerns grow over the huge impact the crisis is having on the economy.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a new website to offer testing for up to 10 million key workers and their families has been overwhelmed.</p>

<p>On Saturday, health officials announced that as many as 5,000 severely ill coronavirus patients could be treated with plasma from people who have recovered from the illness as part of a new approach.</p>

<p>Figures expected later on Saturday could push Britain's official death toll past 20,000.</p>

<p>The number of deaths for COVID-19 in hospital currently stands at 19,506.</p>

<p>In March, the UK's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said keeping the number of UK fatalities to less than 20,000 would be "a good outcome".</p>


Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain. Downing Street was forced to deny that Dominic Cummings and another advisor, Ben Warner, were members of the politically independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). However, following reports in The Guardian newspaper, the government admitted that Cummings had sat in on group meetings, prompting the opposition Labour Party to ask for "answers" over his exact role. Also read: UK PM Johnson, recuperating from COVID-19, faces lockdown conundrum The row emerged as the government's general COVID-19 approach came under increasing scrutiny and the official death toll approached 20,000 in one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic. In a statement, a Number 10 spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE. "Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual. "They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions." Also read: COVID-19: UK death toll drops in last 24 hours as infection cases rise The statement added that it was "factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate" to suggest the committee's advice was affected by the government. Until now, membership of the committee, which is a key body in shaping the UK's response to the pandemic, has not been made public. Labour's health spokesman, John Ashworth told BBC radio on Saturday that his "concern" was "that political advisers have influenced the debate. "The way to clear this up is for all the minutes to be published; we've called on the government to do this," he said. Also read: 'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus The UK government has come under increasing pressure on a number of fronts in recent weeks, including criticism over shortages in personal protective equipment and a lack of widespread testing, particularly of frontline health and social care workers. Questions have also been asked why it was slow in enforcing a nationwide lockdown to enforce social distancing measures. There are also growing demands for a government exit strategy from the current lockdown, first imposed on March 23, extended on April 16 and due for review on May 7, as concerns grow over the huge impact the crisis is having on the economy. Meanwhile, a new website to offer testing for up to 10 million key workers and their families has been overwhelmed. On Saturday, health officials announced that as many as 5,000 severely ill coronavirus patients could be treated with plasma from people who have recovered from the illness as part of a new approach. Figures expected later on Saturday could push Britain's official death toll past 20,000. The number of deaths for COVID-19 in hospital currently stands at 19,506. In March, the UK's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said keeping the number of UK fatalities to less than 20,000 would be "a good outcome".

Political row hits UK govt as virus death toll nears 20,000

In United Kingdom, Downing Street has insisted on strict social distancing measures amid the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

UK: Downing Street insists on strict social distancing measures amid COVID-19 outbreak

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday.</p>

<p>In a phone call on Friday evening, the two leaders "discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks", a Downing Street spokeswoman said.</p>

<p>A White House statement also confirmed they discussed "working together to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks".</p>

<p>The United States has banned Huawei from the rollout of its next-generation 5G mobile networks because of concerns -- strongly denied -- that the firm could be under the control of Beijing.</p>

<p>Washington has been lobbying London to do the same, but there is speculation that it will grant the firm some kind of limited access.</p>

<p>Huawei is already well established in British 3G and 4G networks, and officials have warned that banning it would be hugely costly and delay the rollout of 5G technology.</p>

<p>Intelligence agencies also believe that they can contain any potential risk, although Johnson will have to make the final decision, expected next week.</p>

<p>In his call with Trump, the prime minister also raised the "need to secure justice" for the family of Harry Dunn, Downing Street said.</p>

<p>The British teenager died in August when his motorbike was hit by a car being driven by Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat.</p>

<p>British authorities have charged Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving, but the US refuses to extradite her.</p>

<p>Johnson "reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK", the spokeswoman said.</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed telecoms security with US President Donald Trump as he prepares to announce if Britain will use China's Huawei in its 5G networks, officials said Saturday. In a phone call on Friday evening, the two leaders "discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks", a Downing Street spokeswoman said. A White House statement also confirmed they discussed "working together to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks". The United States has banned Huawei from the rollout of its next-generation 5G mobile networks because of concerns -- strongly denied -- that the firm could be under the control of Beijing. Washington has been lobbying London to do the same, but there is speculation that it will grant the firm some kind of limited access. Huawei is already well established in British 3G and 4G networks, and officials have warned that banning it would be hugely costly and delay the rollout of 5G technology. Intelligence agencies also believe that they can contain any potential risk, although Johnson will have to make the final decision, expected next week. In his call with Trump, the prime minister also raised the "need to secure justice" for the family of Harry Dunn, Downing Street said. The British teenager died in August when his motorbike was hit by a car being driven by Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat. British authorities have charged Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving, but the US refuses to extradite her. Johnson "reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK", the spokeswoman said.

Trump, Johnson talk telecoms security ahead of Huawei decision

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that his government appeared to have won a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-beckons-as-uks-johnson-coasts-to-commanding-win-267999">powerful new mandate</a> to get Brexit done.</p>

<p>"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-welcome-brexit-clarity-from-conservative-victory-267987">get Brexit done</a> but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said after winning his seat of Uxbridge.</p>

<p>"I think this will turn out to be a historic election that gives us now, in this new government, the chance to respect the democratic will of the British people, to change this country for the better and to unleash the potential of the entire people of this country."</p>

<p>"That is what we will now do, and if we are lucky enough to be returned as the exit poll seems to suggest then that work will begin ... today."</p>

<p>Johnson increased his share of the ballot in his West London seat by 1.8 percentage points, winning 25,351 votes to give him an increased majority of 7,210.</p>

<p>His<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-reality-check-for-johnsons-brexit-its-just-the-beginning-267984"> Conservative Party </a>made gains in the Midlands and North of England that had been Labour strongholds for generations, putting it on course for its best result since 1987.</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that his government appeared to have won a powerful new mandate to get Brexit done. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said after winning his seat of Uxbridge.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that his government appeared to have won a powerful new mandate to get Brexit done. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said after winning his seat of Uxbridge. "I think this will turn out to be a historic election that gives us now, in this new government, the chance to respect the democratic will of the British people, to change this country for the better and to unleash the potential of the entire people of this country." "That is what we will now do, and if we are lucky enough to be returned as the exit poll seems to suggest then that work will begin ... today." Johnson increased his share of the ballot in his West London seat by 1.8 percentage points, winning 25,351 votes to give him an increased majority of 7,210. His Conservative Party made gains in the Midlands and North of England that had been Labour strongholds for generations, putting it on course for its best result since 1987.

We have a powerful mandate for Brexit, says British Prime Minister Johnson

<p>After the sweeping victory in UK General election, Boris Johnson has head to&nbsp;Buckingham Palace to ask&nbsp;Queen Elizabeth for formal permission to create a new government.</p>

<p>In Thursday's general election, the third in less than five years,&nbsp;the Conservatives secured a sweeping victory, winning more than 360 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons - the party's largest majority since under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Johnson's win has secured Britain's exit from&nbsp;the European Union by January 31.</p>

<p>Brexit represents the country's biggest political and economic gamble since World War Two, cutting the world's fifth-largest economy adrift from the vast trading bloc and threatening the integrity of the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>For Johnson, who campaigned on a vow to "Get Brexit Done", victory was a vindication after anti-Brexit opponents tried one manoeuvre after another to thwart him during his first chaotic months in office.</p>

<p>"We will get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-boris-johnsons-election-gamble-paid-off-268083">Brexit done on time by the 31st of January,</a> no ifs, no buts, no maybes," a triumphant Johnson told supporters at a rally in London.</p>

<p>"Leaving the European Union as one United Kingdom, taking back control of our laws, borders, money, our trade, immigration system, delivering on the democratic mandate of the people," he said, reprising the refrains of his successful Brexit referendum campaign of 2016.</p>

<p>Sterling soared, on course for one of its biggest one-day gains in the past two decades</p>

<p>Nearly half a century after Britain joined the EU, Johnson must now strike new international trade deals, preserving London's position as a top global financial capital and keeping the United Kingdom together.</p>

<p>That last goal looks more challenging, with Scotland voting for a nationalist party that wants an independence referendum, and Irish nationalists performing strongly in Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>"Boris Johnson may have the mandate to take England out of the European Union. He emphatically does not have the mandate to take Scotland out of the European Union," said Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.</p>

<p>Her Scottish National Party (SNP) won 48 of Scotland's 59 seats in the national parliament.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the sweeping victory in UK General election, Boris Johnson has head to Buckingham Palace to ask Queen Elizabeth for formal permission to create a new government.

After the sweeping victory in UK General election, Boris Johnson has head to Buckingham Palace to ask Queen Elizabeth for formal permission to create a new government. In Thursday's general election, the third in less than five years, the Conservatives secured a sweeping victory, winning more than 360 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons - the party's largest majority since under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. The Johnson's win has secured Britain's exit from the European Union by January 31. Brexit represents the country's biggest political and economic gamble since World War Two, cutting the world's fifth-largest economy adrift from the vast trading bloc and threatening the integrity of the United Kingdom. For Johnson, who campaigned on a vow to "Get Brexit Done", victory was a vindication after anti-Brexit opponents tried one manoeuvre after another to thwart him during his first chaotic months in office. "We will get Brexit done on time by the 31st of January, no ifs, no buts, no maybes," a triumphant Johnson told supporters at a rally in London. "Leaving the European Union as one United Kingdom, taking back control of our laws, borders, money, our trade, immigration system, delivering on the democratic mandate of the people," he said, reprising the refrains of his successful Brexit referendum campaign of 2016. Sterling soared, on course for one of its biggest one-day gains in the past two decades Nearly half a century after Britain joined the EU, Johnson must now strike new international trade deals, preserving London's position as a top global financial capital and keeping the United Kingdom together. That last goal looks more challenging, with Scotland voting for a nationalist party that wants an independence referendum, and Irish nationalists performing strongly in Northern Ireland. "Boris Johnson may have the mandate to take England out of the European Union. He emphatically does not have the mandate to take Scotland out of the European Union," said Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Her Scottish National Party (SNP) won 48 of Scotland's 59 seats in the national parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Boris Johnson heads to Buckingham Palace to ask to form government

<p>Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been cleared by the security services but it has not yet been given approval for publication by Johnson's Downing Street office, meaning it is very unlikely to be released before a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-for-third-election-in-four-years-to-try-to-break-brexit-gridlock-258692">December&nbsp;12 election</a>.</p>

<p>"It is absolutely normal that reports like this go through a period of vetting which does take several weeks," deputy finance minister Rishi Sunak told ITV.</p>

<p>He said all donations to the Conservative party were transparent and fully in accordance with the rules.</p>


Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday.

Britain has not yet published a parliamentary select committee report on alleged Russian meddling in British politics because of the necessary procedure, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's deputy finance minister said on Tuesday. The report by parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has been cleared by the security services but it has not yet been given approval for publication by Johnson's Downing Street office, meaning it is very unlikely to be released before a December 12 election. "It is absolutely normal that reports like this go through a period of vetting which does take several weeks," deputy finance minister Rishi Sunak told ITV. He said all donations to the Conservative party were transparent and fully in accordance with the rules.

Necessary procedure: Britain on Russia meddling report delay

<p>A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-tells-eu-brexit-ball-is-in-your-court-now-254283">With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU</a>, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit.</p>

<p>EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low.</p>

<p>A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely".</p>

<p>Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said.</p>

<p>"If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."</p>


A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday. With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit. EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low. A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely". Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said. "If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."

Brexit deal is essentially impossible ever: Downing Street source

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stormy-sterling-sinks-again-stocks-wilt-before-fed-239448">sterling tumbled</a> and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.</p>

<p>The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets.</p>

<p>Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago.</p>

<p>"The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.</p>

<p>Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal.</p>

<p>"The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said.</p>

<p>The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic".</p>

<p>Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May.</p>

<p>"The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said.</p>

<p>"Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said.</p>

<p>Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s.</p>

<p>Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen.</p>

<p>"We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management.</p>

<p><strong>Brexit Crisis</strong></p>

<p>Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017.</p>

<p>On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation.</p>

<p>Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland.</p>

<p>Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.</p>

<p>Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union.</p>

<p>Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal. The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets. Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago. "The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal. "The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said. The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic". Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May. "The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said. "Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said. Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s. Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen. "We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management. Brexit Crisis Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017. On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation. Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union. Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Brexit 'no matter what', Prime Minister Johnson promises as sterling falls

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-heads-to-scotland-as-local-leader-attacks-no-deal-brexit-239153">Boris Johnson</a> and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence.</p>

<p>The change of guard at the famous address was prompted by Theresa May's forced resignation under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">pressures of the Brexit crisis</a>.</p>

<p>The British tabloids have been preoccupied ever since by the new mop-topped leader and his girlfriend -- who worked on Johnson's successful 2012 re-election campaign as London mayor.</p>

<p>"The PM is officially moving in today and, yes, his partner will be living there," a Downing Street spokeswoman said, ending weeks of speculation about the couple's living arrangements.</p>

<p>In fact, Johnson, 55, and Symonds, 31, will not be living behind the famous black door at No 10 Downing Street.</p>

<p>The prestigious address will belong to new finance minister Sajid Javid, whose office is next door at No 11.</p>

<p>But No 11 also has a more spacious four-bedroom flat.</p>

<p>Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair was the first to arrange this apartment swap, and the tradition has stuck ever since, with May and her husband Philip also living at No 11.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-boris-johnson-the-british-trump-238488/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Symonds, a former Conservative party spin doctor dubbed Britain's "first girlfriend", has been rarely seen in public since she and Johnson had a loud argument that saw one of their neighbours call the police last month.</p>

<p>The resulting media uproar forced the couple to move out.</p>

<p>Downing Street was at pains to stress that Symonds, who works for an environmental charity, will not have any publicly-funded staff.</p>

<p>"There won't be any additional cost to the taxpayer," the spokeswoman said.</p>


Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence.

Boris Johnson and his girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved into Downing Street on Monday, becoming the first unmarried couple to occupy the British prime minister's official residence. The change of guard at the famous address was prompted by Theresa May's forced resignation under the pressures of the Brexit crisis. The British tabloids have been preoccupied ever since by the new mop-topped leader and his girlfriend -- who worked on Johnson's successful 2012 re-election campaign as London mayor. "The PM is officially moving in today and, yes, his partner will be living there," a Downing Street spokeswoman said, ending weeks of speculation about the couple's living arrangements. In fact, Johnson, 55, and Symonds, 31, will not be living behind the famous black door at No 10 Downing Street. The prestigious address will belong to new finance minister Sajid Javid, whose office is next door at No 11. But No 11 also has a more spacious four-bedroom flat. Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair was the first to arrange this apartment swap, and the tradition has stuck ever since, with May and her husband Philip also living at No 11. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? Symonds, a former Conservative party spin doctor dubbed Britain's "first girlfriend", has been rarely seen in public since she and Johnson had a loud argument that saw one of their neighbours call the police last month. The resulting media uproar forced the couple to move out. Downing Street was at pains to stress that Symonds, who works for an environmental charity, will not have any publicly-funded staff. "There won't be any additional cost to the taxpayer," the spokeswoman said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and girlfriend Carrie Symonds move into Downing Street

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