London Metropolitan Police today (Tuesday) announced the launch of a criminal investigation into a series of parties held in Downing Street, the seat of the UK government, during the period of restrictions to control the Govt epidemic in the country.
According to Commissioner Dame Cresida Dick, the decision was made after the police received conclusive evidence about the episodes through an inquiry led by the British Cabinet.
For several weeks local newspapers have been reporting on the parties involved with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the figures around him, leading to the biggest crisis facing the conservative politician.
The matter is being investigated by the government, led by Sue Gray, the second permanent secretary to the cabinet who took up the case after Simon Case resigned – and the celebration at his office came to light and left him stranded. Condition of not being acceptable.
According to a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, the investigation will continue in parallel with the announcement by the Metropolitan Police. The report, prepared by the Financial Times newspaper Gray, should be completed and presented to the Prime Minister on Wednesday (26), with revelations capable of further complicating Boris’ situation, and then published later on Thursday.
However, the release of the findings is likely to be delayed until the police investigation is completed. “We are not going to speculate about the date or the end,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Robb. “It simply came to our notice then [Gray] Decide, we’ll wait for the report. “
According to a report read after the criminal investigation was announced, metropolitan authorities asked the office to share all available information to support police investigations. It is not clear which events are being investigated.
A spokesman said Boris did not believe he had violated the law or the rules. “The end of the meeting [polícia metropolitana] The conduct of this inquiry is to be welcomed, and I hope that it will help to give the public the necessary clarity and to draw a line in this matter, “the Prime Minister told Parliament.
Police investigations into lawlessness during lockdowns in the UK are rare throughout the health crisis, which has provoked criticism. When asked about this, Commissioner Dick said that the resources of the corporation were limited and that the situation had worsened after Govt became infected and had to remove several agents. “I think the general public will understand that we need to focus on violent crime, terrorism and other priorities.”
The start of the criminal investigation comes a day after broadcaster ITV News revealed that Boris hosted a party to celebrate his birthday when indoor community meetings were banned during the UK’s first lockout in June 2020. The event, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, was attended by up to 30 people.
Although the police investigation is another burden on the politician, who faces criticism from anti-labor groups and even from fellow believers – in addition, of course, to public contempt – the punishment for those who do not respect health restrictions: the use of pre-imposed penalties with relatively low values.
For example, fines for meetings of more than 15 people can be reduced to £ 400 (if paid within two weeks) or increased to £ 6,400 if the offense is repeated five times. You Values Founded in the UK a year ago.
However, it is not uncommon for police officers to limit themselves to giving moral warnings without imposing pre-established fines. Lawyer Neil Goel recalled on social media seven weeks ago urging police to investigate the case. Commissioner Dick told the Guardian that “there are serious questions that need to be answered as to why the investigation can only begin now.”
During the isolation many parties were held on Downing Street. One of them took place before the funeral of Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II. According to The Telegraph, staff at Boris’ office drank alcohol and some danced at two different events.
Boris went to parliament on January 12 to ask for a “genuine apology” for attending his group’s event that violated the country’s prison rules. When England was in mourning, before the prince’s funeral, he addressed the Queen the same words at banquets.
At another event in May 2020, guests were invited to bring their own drink “to use the pleasant weather and have some drinks with a community break at Downing Street Garden.” Boris and his wife Gary Johnson are said to have attended the event.
Britain is struggling to stay in office, but co-religionists are already exploring who could be prime minister.
Last Wednesday (19), former Minister David Davis, who led the government’s move to leave the EU between 2016 and 2018, dramatically called for the resignation of the Prime Minister, condemning the then Parliament and resuming Lord Oliver Cromwell’s 1653 speech. “In the name of God, go [embora]”I hope my leaders will be held accountable for the actions they take.”
To begin the process of removing the Prime Minister from office, at least 54 of the party’s 360 parliamentarians are required to write a resolution of no confidence in the party organization known as the 1922 Committee. Boris should express doubts about whether he can continue as prime minister. As of Wednesday, The Telegraph reported that at least 11 conservatives had sent messages.
Cited as a potential successor, Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said last week that he believed the Prime Minister’s version of not knowing that the May 2020 event was a feast. , Sue Gray is investigating the situation. The right thing to do is to allow her to get the job done. “
Apart from Chunak, Boris will be replaced by the country’s foreign secretary, Liz Truss. But it is doubtful who can fill that void.
