UK investigation into Covid lockdown parties says senior leadership ‘must bear responsibility’ – CNBC

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LONDON — A highly anticipated investigation into numerous Covid-19 lockdown-breaking parties at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office and residence has been released, intensifying pressure on the embattled Conservative Party leader.

The comprehensive report from senior civil servant Sue Gray found that many of the gatherings held at Downing Street and Whitehall during Covid lockdowns over the last two years should not have been allowed to happen.

It lays out in embarrassing detail how several events unfolded, including one leaving party on June 18 when a gathering of two or more persons indoors in England was prohibited. On this occasion, the event lasted for several hours and there was excessive alcohol consumption by some. “One individual was sick” and a “minor altercation” occurred between two others, the report said.

In a damning verdict, Gray said senior leadership “must bear responsibility for this culture.”

“At least some of the gatherings in question represent a serious failure to observe not just the high standards expected of those working at the heart of Government but also of the standards expected of the entire British population at the time.”

Gray had launched an inquiry following media reports of gatherings and alleged parties in government buildings during Covid lockdowns over a 20-month period.

A full version of the report had been delayed due to a separate police inquiry. The Metropolitan Police’s investigation resulted in 126 fines to 83 people.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon, Johnson thanked Gray for her work and said he takes “full responsibility” for everything that happened on his watch.

The prime minister said he was “appalled” by behavior at lockdown parties but defended attending some leaving dos. “I hope very much that now that she has reported, we will be able to move on and focus on the priorities of the British people,” Johnson said.

Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the report is a “monument to the hubris and the arrogance of a government that believed it was one rule for them, and another rule for everyone else.”

“Members opposite must finally do their bit. They must tell the current inhabitant, their leader that this has gone on too long. The game is up. You cannot be a lawmaker and a lawbreaker,” Starmer said.

“It is time to pack his bags. Only then can the government function again, only then can the rot be carved out, only then can we restore the dignity of that great office and the democracy that it represents.”

Sterling fell to a session low against the U.S. dollar shortly after the report was published. The U.K. currency was last seen down 0.2% at $1.2501 during afternoon deals.

Source Article from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/25/sue-gray-report-uk-investigation-on-downing-street-lockdown-parties.html

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