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UK Prime Minister Boris Jonhson is likely to receive three more fines for lockdown-breaching parties, local media reports have stated.

Johnson is believed to have attended six of the 12 lockdown parties, which are under scrutiny, and has already been fined for one – his birthday party in the Cabinet Room on 19 June 2020 which was organised by his wife Carrie.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the embattled prime minister would be punished for allegedly attending a leaving party for his former director of communications, Lee Cain, even as the police investigation is pending for two more events.

The November 13 event “is considered to be the most serious breach of the Coronavirus regulations among the events that the prime minister attended," an unnamed source close to the investigation told the newspaper.

The latest report comes in the wake of cabinet minister David Wolfson resigning from the office on Wednesday after Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak were handed fines for attending parties in 2020 when the nation was under lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-to-face-the-music-over-reports-of-holding-booze-party-during-covid-lockdown-443805">UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown</a>

Wolfson said he was resigning not only because of the prime minister’s “own conduct” but also “the official response to what took place”, reported the Guardian.

He said the behaviour stood in stark contrast to many in society who “complied with the rules at great personal cost, and others were fined or prosecuted for similar, and sometimes apparently more trivial, offences”.

Meanwhile, amid growing calls for his resignation, the prime minister had refused to step down from the office and instead offered an apology.

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">New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes</a>

“I understand the anger that many feel that I, myself, fell short when it came to observing the very rules which the government I lead had introduced to protect the public. And I accept in all sincerity that people had the right to expect better. And now I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people,” the premier said on Tuesday.

Watch |&nbsp;Partygate: Opposition calls for UK PM Boris Johnson's resignation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/partygate-opposition-calls-for-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-resignation-470992/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Jonhson is likely to receive three more fines for lockdown-breaching parties, local media reports have stated. Johnson is believed to have attended six of the 12 lockdown parties, which are under scrutiny, and has already been fined for one – his birthday party in the Cabinet Room on 19 June 2020 which was organised by his wife Carrie.

UK Prime Minister Boris Jonhson is likely to receive three more fines for lockdown-breaching parties, local media reports have stated. Johnson is believed to have attended six of the 12 lockdown parties, which are under scrutiny, and has already been fined for one – his birthday party in the Cabinet Room on 19 June 2020 which was organised by his wife Carrie. According to the Daily Telegraph, the embattled prime minister would be punished for allegedly attending a leaving party for his former director of communications, Lee Cain, even as the police investigation is pending for two more events. The November 13 event “is considered to be the most serious breach of the Coronavirus regulations among the events that the prime minister attended," an unnamed source close to the investigation told the newspaper. The latest report comes in the wake of cabinet minister David Wolfson resigning from the office on Wednesday after Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak were handed fines for attending parties in 2020 when the nation was under lockdown. Also read | UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown Wolfson said he was resigning not only because of the prime minister’s “own conduct” but also “the official response to what took place”, reported the Guardian. He said the behaviour stood in stark contrast to many in society who “complied with the rules at great personal cost, and others were fined or prosecuted for similar, and sometimes apparently more trivial, offences”. Meanwhile, amid growing calls for his resignation, the prime minister had refused to step down from the office and instead offered an apology. Also read | New video over Christmas party during lockdown in 2020 adds to UK PM Boris Johnson’s woes “I understand the anger that many feel that I, myself, fell short when it came to observing the very rules which the government I lead had introduced to protect the public. And I accept in all sincerity that people had the right to expect better. And now I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people,” the premier said on Tuesday. Watch | Partygate: Opposition calls for UK PM Boris Johnson's resignation (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson to receive three more fines for lockdown-breaching parties: Report

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine.

Cawthorn, who has been described as a controversialist and Trump supporter, said on a podcast on Friday that he had witnessed "sexual perversion" and illegal drug use in Washington.

"I look at a lot of these people, a lot of them that I've looked up to through my life — I've always paid attention to politics— guys, that, then all of a sudden you get invited to, 'Oh, hey, we're going to have a sexual get-together at one of our homes, you should come," Cawthorn told Warrior Poet Society,"&nbsp;when asked about how realistic Netflix's "House of Cards" is compared to real life in Washington.

Many GOP colleagues were frustrated with Cawthorn’s “unfounded” claims and asked McCarthy to take action against the North Carolina's representative.

“He’s got to turn himself around,” McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, addressing a meeting he had with Cawthorn that morning.

“I just told him he’s lost my trust, he’s gonna have to earn it back, and I laid out everything I find is unbecoming. And you can’t just say, ‘You can’t do this again.’ I mean, he’s got a lot of members very upset.”

Asked if Cawthorn, 26, could face penalties from the House Republican conference such as being removed from his committee posts, McCarthy said that there are “a lot of different things that could happen.”

McCarthy met Cawthorn with the Republican chief whip, Steve Scalise, in attendance.

According to the minority leader, Cawthorn admitted some of his remarks had been untrue or exaggerated.

“In the interview, he claims he watched people do cocaine. Then when he comes in, he says he thinks he saw maybe a staffer in a parking garage from 100 yards away.”

“It’s just frustrating. There’s no evidence behind his statements … I told him you can’t make statements like that, as a member of Congress, that affect everybody else and the country as a whole.”

The Republican leader mentioned a number of other recent statements and actions from Cawthorn that he found unbecoming of a member of Congress.

Earlier this month, Cawthorn called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “thug,” which McCarthy had&nbsp;previously said was “wrong.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine.

US House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said that his fellow Republican and congressman Madison Cawthorn will not face disciplinary action for his controversial comments about claiming to be invited by Washington colleagues to orgies and witnessing some leaders using cocaine. Cawthorn, who has been described as a controversialist and Trump supporter, said on a podcast on Friday that he had witnessed "sexual perversion" and illegal drug use in Washington. "I look at a lot of these people, a lot of them that I've looked up to through my life — I've always paid attention to politics— guys, that, then all of a sudden you get invited to, 'Oh, hey, we're going to have a sexual get-together at one of our homes, you should come," Cawthorn told Warrior Poet Society," when asked about how realistic Netflix's "House of Cards" is compared to real life in Washington. Many GOP colleagues were frustrated with Cawthorn’s “unfounded” claims and asked McCarthy to take action against the North Carolina's representative. “He’s got to turn himself around,” McCarthy told reporters on Wednesday, addressing a meeting he had with Cawthorn that morning. “I just told him he’s lost my trust, he’s gonna have to earn it back, and I laid out everything I find is unbecoming. And you can’t just say, ‘You can’t do this again.’ I mean, he’s got a lot of members very upset.” Asked if Cawthorn, 26, could face penalties from the House Republican conference such as being removed from his committee posts, McCarthy said that there are “a lot of different things that could happen.” McCarthy met Cawthorn with the Republican chief whip, Steve Scalise, in attendance. According to the minority leader, Cawthorn admitted some of his remarks had been untrue or exaggerated. “In the interview, he claims he watched people do cocaine. Then when he comes in, he says he thinks he saw maybe a staffer in a parking garage from 100 yards away.” “It’s just frustrating. There’s no evidence behind his statements … I told him you can’t make statements like that, as a member of Congress, that affect everybody else and the country as a whole.” The Republican leader mentioned a number of other recent statements and actions from Cawthorn that he found unbecoming of a member of Congress. Earlier this month, Cawthorn called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “thug,” which McCarthy had previously said was “wrong.” (With inputs from agencies)

US congressman Cawthorn not to face charges for remarks on orgies and drugs

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

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

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

Interviews begin in Downing Street lockdown party scandal investigation

In a major blow to Boris Johnson, a photo of the UK Prime Minister purportedly holding a can of beer during his lockdown-breaching birthday party in 2020 has been submitted to the police, UK media has reported.

It is being claimed that the said photograph is among the 300 pictures that were submitted to the Metropolitan police by senior civil servant Sue Gray-led panel for their investigation into social gatherings which breached coronavirus regulations.

The latest findings are contradictory to the previous claims of Downing Street officials, who said that the staff “gathered briefly” at a surprise birthday celebration organised by his wife Carrie Johnson, and added that the PM only stayed for 10 minutes.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-of-johnsons-closest-aides-desert-him-as-he-seeks-a-fresh-start-450297">Four of Johnson's closest aides desert him, as he seeks a fresh start</a>

According to the Mirror newspaper, the prime minister is pictured with a can of beer standing next to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, in No 10’s Cabinet Room.

It is being reported that the picture was taken by the PM’s official taxpayer-funded photographer, who was documenting the event in June 2020.

“Following the Met police investigation, the Sue Gray report must be published in its entirety with all accompanying evidence – photos, videos and testimony,” Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, told the Mirror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-munira-mirza-uk-pms-highly-valued-ally-who-quit-450405">Meet Munira Mirza, UK PM’s highly valued ally who quit</a>

Meanwhile, four of Johnson’s senior aides have tendered their resignation in a span of 24 hours on Thursday.

His policy chief Munira Mirza, the director of communications Jack Doyle, the principal private secretary Martin Reynolds and the chief of staff Dan Rosenfield have all quit.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major blow to Boris Johnson, a photo of the UK Prime Minister purportedly holding a can of beer during his lockdown-breaching birthday party in 2020 has been submitted to the police, UK media has reported.

In a major blow to Boris Johnson, a photo of the UK Prime Minister purportedly holding a can of beer during his lockdown-breaching birthday party in 2020 has been submitted to the police, UK media has reported. It is being claimed that the said photograph is among the 300 pictures that were submitted to the Metropolitan police by senior civil servant Sue Gray-led panel for their investigation into social gatherings which breached coronavirus regulations. The latest findings are contradictory to the previous claims of Downing Street officials, who said that the staff “gathered briefly” at a surprise birthday celebration organised by his wife Carrie Johnson, and added that the PM only stayed for 10 minutes. Also Read: Four of Johnson's closest aides desert him, as he seeks a fresh start According to the Mirror newspaper, the prime minister is pictured with a can of beer standing next to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, in No 10’s Cabinet Room. It is being reported that the picture was taken by the PM’s official taxpayer-funded photographer, who was documenting the event in June 2020. “Following the Met police investigation, the Sue Gray report must be published in its entirety with all accompanying evidence – photos, videos and testimony,” Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, told the Mirror. Also read | Meet Munira Mirza, UK PM’s highly valued ally who quit Meanwhile, four of Johnson’s senior aides have tendered their resignation in a span of 24 hours on Thursday. His policy chief Munira Mirza, the director of communications Jack Doyle, the principal private secretary Martin Reynolds and the chief of staff Dan Rosenfield have all quit. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson’s photo holding beer can at lockdown-breaching party handed over to police: Reports

Another Conservative MP joined the growing list of lawmakers calling for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to quit as the ‘partygate’ saga refuses to die down.

Tory MP Anthony Mangnall became the 12th parliamentarian to hand over a letter of no-confidence to the chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, The Independent reported.

At least 54 letters are needed to trigger a confidence vote. Apart from that a majority of Tory MPs—around 180—must vote against Johnson.

“Standards in public life matter. At this time, I can no longer support the PM,” Mangnall tweeted on Wednesday.

“His actions and mistruths are overshadowing the extraordinary work of so many excellent ministers and colleagues,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-mp-submits-no-confidence-letter-calls-on-johnson-to-resign-449669">Conservative MP submits no-confidence letter, calls on Johnson to resign</a>

Meanwhile, Johnson continues to face the heat over lockdown-breaching parties in government buildings during the Covid restrictions in 2020.

At Prime Minister's Questions, he refused to confirm press reports that he was at a party in his Downing Street flat on 13 November 2020.

Even as many Tory MPs said they would be waiting for Scotland Yard to conclude its probe into lockdown gatherings at Downing Street, senior civil servant Sue Gray on Monday released a part of her probe report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-might-face-letters-of-no-confidence-by-tory-mps-after-partygate-probe-report-447962">UK PM Boris Johnson might face letters of no confidence by Tory MPs after 'partygate' probe report</a>

In her inquiry, she said there were “failures of leadership and judgement” by different parts of Number 10 and the Cabinet Office.

Gray also highlighted that some behaviour at the gatherings was “difficult to justify” given the public was being asked to “accept far-reaching restrictions on their lives”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Another Conservative MP joined the growing list of lawmakers calling for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to quit as the ‘partygate’ saga refuses to die down. Tory MP Anthony Mangnall became the 12th parliamentarian to hand over a letter of no-confidence to the chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, The Independent reported.

Another Conservative MP joined the growing list of lawmakers calling for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to quit as the ‘partygate’ saga refuses to die down. Tory MP Anthony Mangnall became the 12th parliamentarian to hand over a letter of no-confidence to the chair of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers, The Independent reported. At least 54 letters are needed to trigger a confidence vote. Apart from that a majority of Tory MPs—around 180—must vote against Johnson. “Standards in public life matter. At this time, I can no longer support the PM,” Mangnall tweeted on Wednesday. “His actions and mistruths are overshadowing the extraordinary work of so many excellent ministers and colleagues,” he said. Also read | Conservative MP submits no-confidence letter, calls on Johnson to resign Meanwhile, Johnson continues to face the heat over lockdown-breaching parties in government buildings during the Covid restrictions in 2020. At Prime Minister's Questions, he refused to confirm press reports that he was at a party in his Downing Street flat on 13 November 2020. Even as many Tory MPs said they would be waiting for Scotland Yard to conclude its probe into lockdown gatherings at Downing Street, senior civil servant Sue Gray on Monday released a part of her probe report. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson might face letters of no confidence by Tory MPs after 'partygate' probe report In her inquiry, she said there were “failures of leadership and judgement” by different parts of Number 10 and the Cabinet Office. Gray also highlighted that some behaviour at the gatherings was “difficult to justify” given the public was being asked to “accept far-reaching restrictions on their lives”. (With inputs from agencies)

Another Tory MP submits no-confidence letter, becomes the 12th one calling for PM to quit

Ghislaine Maxwell, the ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein has been convicted for sex-trafficking. Maxwell 'lured young girls' for sexual abuse by Epstein and his high-profile clients. Who were these alleged clients? Palki Sharma has a report.

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The head of Italy's national health institute distanced himself on Friday from a scandal over a spiked World Health Organisation report into Italy's coronavirus response, saying he had no means to interfere with the UN Agency and had never censored even inconvenient information from the public.&nbsp;

Dr Silvio Brusaferro was drawn into the scandal after a leaked document from Bergamo prosecutors last week revealed transcripts of WhatsApp chats between Brusaferro and a WHO official, Dr Ranieri Guerra, who is under investigation for having allegedly made false claims to prosecutors about the report.&nbsp;

The report, published in May last year as a guide to help countries prepare for Covid-19, sparked a nerve because it revealed that the Italian government hadn't updated its pandemic preparedness plan since 2006. &nbsp;

The report was pulled down from the WHO website a day after it was published and was never reposted, sparking speculation WHO spiked it to spare the Italian government embarrassment and possible liability.&nbsp;

The WHO says it contained inaccuracies and inconsistencies and was published prematurely, before it had been fact-checked. &nbsp;

Its lead researcher, Dr Francesco Zambon, says the report received all necessary clearances and believes it was removed because of political pressure and the personal interests of Guerra.&nbsp;

Guerra had been in charge of prevention at the Italian health ministry during the years in which the pandemic plan should have been updated to conform to WHO and EU guidelines. &nbsp;

Guerra has said the plan didn't need to be updated during those years and has denied he tried to censor the WHO report, saying he merely wanted it corrected.&nbsp;

According to the text messages, Guerra used colorful language to inform Brusaferro that he had gotten the report removed from the WHO website and was working to make sure it had disappeared from other websites too.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The head of Italy's national health institute distanced himself on Friday from a scandal over a spiked World Health Organisation report into Italy's coronavirus response, saying he had no means to interfere with the UN Agency and had never censored even inconvenient information from the public.

The head of Italy's national health institute distanced himself on Friday from a scandal over a spiked World Health Organisation report into Italy's coronavirus response, saying he had no means to interfere with the UN Agency and had never censored even inconvenient information from the public. Dr Silvio Brusaferro was drawn into the scandal after a leaked document from Bergamo prosecutors last week revealed transcripts of WhatsApp chats between Brusaferro and a WHO official, Dr Ranieri Guerra, who is under investigation for having allegedly made false claims to prosecutors about the report. The report, published in May last year as a guide to help countries prepare for Covid-19, sparked a nerve because it revealed that the Italian government hadn't updated its pandemic preparedness plan since 2006. The report was pulled down from the WHO website a day after it was published and was never reposted, sparking speculation WHO spiked it to spare the Italian government embarrassment and possible liability. The WHO says it contained inaccuracies and inconsistencies and was published prematurely, before it had been fact-checked. Its lead researcher, Dr Francesco Zambon, says the report received all necessary clearances and believes it was removed because of political pressure and the personal interests of Guerra. Guerra had been in charge of prevention at the Italian health ministry during the years in which the pandemic plan should have been updated to conform to WHO and EU guidelines. Guerra has said the plan didn't need to be updated during those years and has denied he tried to censor the WHO report, saying he merely wanted it corrected. According to the text messages, Guerra used colorful language to inform Brusaferro that he had gotten the report removed from the WHO website and was working to make sure it had disappeared from other websites too. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy health chief distances himself from scandal over spiked WHO report 

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance.&nbsp;

The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption.&nbsp;

Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said.&nbsp;

A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government.&nbsp;

Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly.&nbsp;

Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. &nbsp;

"I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. &nbsp;

British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers.&nbsp;

News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries.&nbsp;

After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts. The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance. The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said. A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government. Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly. Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company. On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. "I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers. News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries. After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition accuses government of sleaze amid lobbying scandal in UK 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologised on Monday following the resignation of a key spokeswoman, who along with other senior bureaucrats were reprimanded for attending expensive dinners hosted by Suga's son.&nbsp;

Makiko Yamada, Cabinet Public Relations Secretary, tendered her resignation from hospital after being admitted for ill health, the government said.&nbsp;

Suga's administration and the 60-year-old spokeswoman faced public criticism after magazine Shukan Bunshun last month reported that Suga's eldest son, Seigo Suga, an executive at a company producing television programmes for satellite broadcaster, paid for expensive dinners for senior bureaucrats.&nbsp;

Japan's National Civil Service Ethics Law prohibits government employees from receiving gifts or entertainment from companies or individuals that could be seen to curry favour.&nbsp;

"I'm very sorry that a member of my family was involved in behaviour resulting in public servants breaching the ethics law, and I apologise deeply to citizens," Suga told parliament. "I deeply regret that it has come to a situation, where people's trust in the administration has been damaged."&nbsp;

Yamada's dinner with Suga's son and other executives at the company, one of several that prompted reprimands for 11 bureaucrats, cost 74,203 yen ($696) per person, according to local media reports.&nbsp;

Yamada admission to hospital meant she missed a Monday parliamentary committee meeting where opposition politicians were expected to question her about her dinner with the younger Suga, which was in 2019 when she was an official at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologised on Monday following the resignation of a key spokeswoman, who along with other senior bureaucrats were reprimanded for attending expensive dinners hosted by Suga's son.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga apologised on Monday following the resignation of a key spokeswoman, who along with other senior bureaucrats were reprimanded for attending expensive dinners hosted by Suga's son. Makiko Yamada, Cabinet Public Relations Secretary, tendered her resignation from hospital after being admitted for ill health, the government said. Suga's administration and the 60-year-old spokeswoman faced public criticism after magazine Shukan Bunshun last month reported that Suga's eldest son, Seigo Suga, an executive at a company producing television programmes for satellite broadcaster, paid for expensive dinners for senior bureaucrats. Japan's National Civil Service Ethics Law prohibits government employees from receiving gifts or entertainment from companies or individuals that could be seen to curry favour. "I'm very sorry that a member of my family was involved in behaviour resulting in public servants breaching the ethics law, and I apologise deeply to citizens," Suga told parliament. "I deeply regret that it has come to a situation, where people's trust in the administration has been damaged." Yamada's dinner with Suga's son and other executives at the company, one of several that prompted reprimands for 11 bureaucrats, cost 74,203 yen ($696) per person, according to local media reports. Yamada admission to hospital meant she missed a Monday parliamentary committee meeting where opposition politicians were expected to question her about her dinner with the younger Suga, which was in 2019 when she was an official at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Japan PM apologises after spokeswoman resigns over expensive dinners scandal 

The government in The Netherlands has resigned over a scandal in which thousands of parents were falsely accused of benefit fraud.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday admitted the system had gone "terribly wrong".

Many parents were forced to pay back large amounts of money and ended up in financial ruin as a result. Some were also targetted for investigation because they had dual nationality.

Rutte, who came to power in 2010, is one of Europe's longest serving leaders.

"The buck stops here," Rutte told a press conference after a crisis meeting of his four-party coalition cabinet in The Hague.

"We are of one mind: if the whole system has failed, only joint responsibility can be borne. And that leads to the conclusion that I have just now offered the king the resignation of the entire cabinet. The rule of law must protect its citizens from an all-powerful government, and here that's gone terribly wrong."

Rutte added the cabinet would stay on in a "caretaker" role until the polls on March 17 and "do what is necessary in the interests of the country."

The government's resignation comes just two months before the Netherlands was due to hold elections, and as it battles surging coronavirus cases.

The government in The Netherlands has resigned over a scandal in which thousands of parents were falsely accused of benefit fraud. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday admitted the system had gone "terribly wrong".

The government in The Netherlands has resigned over a scandal in which thousands of parents were falsely accused of benefit fraud. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday admitted the system had gone "terribly wrong". Many parents were forced to pay back large amounts of money and ended up in financial ruin as a result. Some were also targetted for investigation because they had dual nationality. Rutte, who came to power in 2010, is one of Europe's longest serving leaders. "The buck stops here," Rutte told a press conference after a crisis meeting of his four-party coalition cabinet in The Hague. "We are of one mind: if the whole system has failed, only joint responsibility can be borne. And that leads to the conclusion that I have just now offered the king the resignation of the entire cabinet. The rule of law must protect its citizens from an all-powerful government, and here that's gone terribly wrong." Rutte added the cabinet would stay on in a "caretaker" role until the polls on March 17 and "do what is necessary in the interests of the country." The government's resignation comes just two months before the Netherlands was due to hold elections, and as it battles surging coronavirus cases.

Dutch govt resigns over childcare subsidies scandal

Cambridge Analytica deceived facebook users.

Cambridge Analytica scandal

Volkswagen 'dieselgate' fraud: Timeline of a scandal

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-parliament-votes-for-coup-leader-to-stay-on-as-prime-minister-225013">Prayut Chan-O-Cha</a> resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy.

The mastermind of a 2014 coup, Prayut headed the junta regime for five years before a disputed March election tilted to the military formally ushered him in as a civilian premier.

But the new government has struggled to maintain a foothold as it is dogged by scandals from a cabinet member being accused of serving time in jail for drug-dealing in Australia to Thais angered by a slow response to floods in the rice bowl northeast.

Questions over his administration's legitimacy have also been raised after it was revealed Prayut and his cabinet had pledged loyalty to the king but failed to recite allegiance to the constitution when he was sworn in as civilian premiere in July.

The Constitutional Court last week had declined to deliberate on his omission.

But in parliament Wednesday, opposition lawmakers called for his resignation, saying the incomplete oath showed his "ignorance of the constitution", and questioned whether he can be trusted to uphold the rule of law.

It has "destroyed public confidence as well as his credibility", Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the youth-driven Future Forward Party, said.

"Prayut's incomplete oath-taking makes the public doubt whether he will uphold and comply with the constitution," he said.

The omission could also mean that the ex-junta chief "may have thought of staging another coup", said Thai Liberal Party leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves.

Prayut was present for part of the parliament session, held only for one day without a vote before MPs go for recess on Thursday.

Speaking briefly after listening to MPs hammer him for several hours, Prayut proclaimed "respect for all the principles in the constitution".

Coups and street protests have plagued Thailand's politics for almost two decades, with the putsch-happy army pressing the reset button on previous administrations.

But political divisions remain deep as Thais in the latest March election have shown a weariness towards a conservative arch-royalist elite, choosing instead to vote in MPs vowing to remove the military from politics. 
&nbsp;

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy.

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy. The mastermind of a 2014 coup, Prayut headed the junta regime for five years before a disputed March election tilted to the military formally ushered him in as a civilian premier. But the new government has struggled to maintain a foothold as it is dogged by scandals from a cabinet member being accused of serving time in jail for drug-dealing in Australia to Thais angered by a slow response to floods in the rice bowl northeast. Questions over his administration's legitimacy have also been raised after it was revealed Prayut and his cabinet had pledged loyalty to the king but failed to recite allegiance to the constitution when he was sworn in as civilian premiere in July. The Constitutional Court last week had declined to deliberate on his omission. But in parliament Wednesday, opposition lawmakers called for his resignation, saying the incomplete oath showed his "ignorance of the constitution", and questioned whether he can be trusted to uphold the rule of law. It has "destroyed public confidence as well as his credibility", Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the youth-driven Future Forward Party, said. "Prayut's incomplete oath-taking makes the public doubt whether he will uphold and comply with the constitution," he said. The omission could also mean that the ex-junta chief "may have thought of staging another coup", said Thai Liberal Party leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves. Prayut was present for part of the parliament session, held only for one day without a vote before MPs go for recess on Thursday. Speaking briefly after listening to MPs hammer him for several hours, Prayut proclaimed "respect for all the principles in the constitution". Coups and street protests have plagued Thailand's politics for almost two decades, with the putsch-happy army pressing the reset button on previous administrations. But political divisions remain deep as Thais in the latest March election have shown a weariness towards a conservative arch-royalist elite, choosing instead to vote in MPs vowing to remove the military from politics.

Thai MPs call for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign following oath omission

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial.

Trudeau has been on the defensive since February 7 over allegations that officials inappropriately leaned on former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould last year to ensure construction company SNC-Lavalin Group Inc escaped a trial by paying a fine instead.

The crisis may well threaten Trudeau's reelection chances in a vote this October. Polls show his centre-left Liberals, who as recently as January looked certain to win, could lose to the official opposition Conservatives.

Wilson-Raybould made public around 40 pages of documents revealing more details of what she said were attempts by officials to force her change her mind even after she insisted they desist.

Wilson-Raybould, who was demoted to veterans affairs minister in January and resigned the following month, first made the allegations in almost four hours of testimony to the House of Commons justice committee last month.

Trudeau says officials were trying to make Wilson-Raybould understand that thousands of jobs would be at risk if SNC-Lavalin were found guilty of bribing Libyan officials. Trudeau insists he and his team did nothing wrong.

The affair has so far cost Trudeau two high-profile female cabinet ministers, his closest personal aide and the head of the federal bureaucracy, Michael Wernick.

Wilson-Raybould included a recording of a phone call with Wernick last December in which he told her he was worried about "a collision" between her and Trudeau "because he is pretty firm about this."

Wilson-Raybould, who stressed she thought the call was inappropriate, told Wernick she was waiting "for the other shoe to drop" because she was under no illusion about how Trudeau "gets things that he wants."

Opposition legislators said the documents reinforced their demand for a public inquiry into the matter, something Trudeau says is not necessary.

"She is actually trying to speak truth to power, trying to say, 'You can't do this,' ... and it keeps happening," New Democratic Party parliamentarian Nathan Cullen told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

Trudeau's office was not immediately available for comment.

The crisis is opening rifts inside the Liberal Party and some legislators want Wilson-Raybould to be kicked out of the parliamentary caucus, a move Trudeau has so far resisted.

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial.

A former cabinet member at the heart of a crisis that could cost Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his job on Friday released documents to back up her case that she had been pressured to help a large corporation avoid a corruption trial. Trudeau has been on the defensive since February 7 over allegations that officials inappropriately leaned on former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould last year to ensure construction company SNC-Lavalin Group Inc escaped a trial by paying a fine instead. The crisis may well threaten Trudeau's reelection chances in a vote this October. Polls show his centre-left Liberals, who as recently as January looked certain to win, could lose to the official opposition Conservatives. Wilson-Raybould made public around 40 pages of documents revealing more details of what she said were attempts by officials to force her change her mind even after she insisted they desist. Wilson-Raybould, who was demoted to veterans affairs minister in January and resigned the following month, first made the allegations in almost four hours of testimony to the House of Commons justice committee last month. Trudeau says officials were trying to make Wilson-Raybould understand that thousands of jobs would be at risk if SNC-Lavalin were found guilty of bribing Libyan officials. Trudeau insists he and his team did nothing wrong. The affair has so far cost Trudeau two high-profile female cabinet ministers, his closest personal aide and the head of the federal bureaucracy, Michael Wernick. Wilson-Raybould included a recording of a phone call with Wernick last December in which he told her he was worried about "a collision" between her and Trudeau "because he is pretty firm about this." Wilson-Raybould, who stressed she thought the call was inappropriate, told Wernick she was waiting "for the other shoe to drop" because she was under no illusion about how Trudeau "gets things that he wants." Opposition legislators said the documents reinforced their demand for a public inquiry into the matter, something Trudeau says is not necessary. "She is actually trying to speak truth to power, trying to say, 'You can't do this,' ... and it keeps happening," New Democratic Party parliamentarian Nathan Cullen told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Trudeau's office was not immediately available for comment. The crisis is opening rifts inside the Liberal Party and some legislators want Wilson-Raybould to be kicked out of the parliamentary caucus, a move Trudeau has so far resisted.

Fresh documents keep up pressure on Canada's Trudeau over scandal

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998.

The report by two Texas newspapers found some<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036"> 380 church leaders and volunteers have faced public accusations of abuse,</a> mostly of children as young as three years old.

Some of the accused continued to work at Southern Baptist churches, the newspapers said.

In response to the report, church officials acknowledged the number of victims could actually be higher and urged survivors to come forward.

"One of the things I'm encouraged by are the number of pastors that are actively engaged right now," in the report's aftermath, convention leader Russell Moore told AFP on Tuesday.

The revelations threatened to engulf the denomination — with some 47,000 churches and 15 million members mostly in the southern US — in the same type of scandal that has roiled the Catholic Church.

A more comprehensive response was likely to come from the Southern Baptist organization next week when president JD Greear "is scheduled to give an update on a sexual abuse study he commissioned last summer," said spokesman Roger Oldham.

Unlike the Vatican, the Southern Baptist Convention is a loose network of churches allowed to run autonomously, ordain their own ministers — who are not required to be celibate — and hire staff and volunteers based on each church's own standards.

The decentralized system, which lacks a shared database of personnel records, has been rife for exploitation by sexual abusers, according to the investigative report first published over the weekend by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.

Lax oversight allowed some abusers with criminal convictions — even registered sex offenders — to continue working at Southern Baptist churches, according to the report, which found 220 offenders who were convicted or took plea deals.

"In the denomination, each congregation governs its own affairs. There are no bishops. There are no supervisors," Moore said.

"But churches can decide with whom they fellowship," he said. "No one can use church autonomy as an excuse." In at least 35 cases, abusers were able to leave one church and find work in another over the last two decades. In some cases, congregations knew about past abuse.

For example, Illinois pastor Leslie Mason was convicted in 2003 on two counts of sexual assault. After being released from prison, he went on to lead a different church nearby.

Florida pastor Darrell Gilyard, released from prison in 2011 after a criminal sex abuse conviction involving two girls, returned to preach services which children could not attend because a court order required him to stay away from minors.

Moore said some Southern Baptists held erroneous views of forgiveness that "assumes these predators should be simply given a second chance." In other instances, he said, churches believed horrific crimes could not occur within their ministries.

Moore also acknowledged that the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a proposal in 2007 that it should establish a registry to track abuse claims and prevent predators from getting rehired by other churches.

The newspapers found hundreds of abuse cases in the years since. And past church leaders have been accused of concealing or mishandling complaints.

"As a denomination, now is a time to mourn and repent. Changes are coming. They must," said Greear, the convention's current president, on Twitter.

The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an organization mostly focused on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal, urged Southern Baptist survivors to report crimes to law enforcement.

"It is critical that law enforcement officials at every level of government look into these cases," the organization said in a statement.

Failure by Catholic Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations involving minors has been an urgent crisis hitting Roman Catholicism globally in recent years.

Pope Francis last week admitted that priests and bishops also had sexually abused nuns.&nbsp;

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998.

The United States' largest Protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, is facing a sexual abuse crisis after a bombshell report revealed hundreds of predators and more than 700 victims since 1998. The report by two Texas newspapers found some 380 church leaders and volunteers have faced public accusations of abuse, mostly of children as young as three years old. Some of the accused continued to work at Southern Baptist churches, the newspapers said. In response to the report, church officials acknowledged the number of victims could actually be higher and urged survivors to come forward. "One of the things I'm encouraged by are the number of pastors that are actively engaged right now," in the report's aftermath, convention leader Russell Moore told AFP on Tuesday. The revelations threatened to engulf the denomination — with some 47,000 churches and 15 million members mostly in the southern US — in the same type of scandal that has roiled the Catholic Church. A more comprehensive response was likely to come from the Southern Baptist organization next week when president JD Greear "is scheduled to give an update on a sexual abuse study he commissioned last summer," said spokesman Roger Oldham. Unlike the Vatican, the Southern Baptist Convention is a loose network of churches allowed to run autonomously, ordain their own ministers — who are not required to be celibate — and hire staff and volunteers based on each church's own standards. The decentralized system, which lacks a shared database of personnel records, has been rife for exploitation by sexual abusers, according to the investigative report first published over the weekend by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News. Lax oversight allowed some abusers with criminal convictions — even registered sex offenders — to continue working at Southern Baptist churches, according to the report, which found 220 offenders who were convicted or took plea deals. "In the denomination, each congregation governs its own affairs. There are no bishops. There are no supervisors," Moore said. "But churches can decide with whom they fellowship," he said. "No one can use church autonomy as an excuse." In at least 35 cases, abusers were able to leave one church and find work in another over the last two decades. In some cases, congregations knew about past abuse. For example, Illinois pastor Leslie Mason was convicted in 2003 on two counts of sexual assault. After being released from prison, he went on to lead a different church nearby. Florida pastor Darrell Gilyard, released from prison in 2011 after a criminal sex abuse conviction involving two girls, returned to preach services which children could not attend because a court order required him to stay away from minors. Moore said some Southern Baptists held erroneous views of forgiveness that "assumes these predators should be simply given a second chance." In other instances, he said, churches believed horrific crimes could not occur within their ministries. Moore also acknowledged that the Southern Baptist Convention rejected a proposal in 2007 that it should establish a registry to track abuse claims and prevent predators from getting rehired by other churches. The newspapers found hundreds of abuse cases in the years since. And past church leaders have been accused of concealing or mishandling complaints. "As a denomination, now is a time to mourn and repent. Changes are coming. They must," said Greear, the convention's current president, on Twitter. The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an organization mostly focused on the Catholic Church's abuse scandal, urged Southern Baptist survivors to report crimes to law enforcement. "It is critical that law enforcement officials at every level of government look into these cases," the organization said in a statement. Failure by Catholic Church officials to take action on sexual abuse allegations involving minors has been an urgent crisis hitting Roman Catholicism globally in recent years. Pope Francis last week admitted that priests and bishops also had sexually abused nuns.

US Southern Baptist churches embroiled in sex abuse scandal

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