Metropolitan police begin interviews over lockdown Downing Street party investigation

Metropolitan police begin interviews over lockdown Downing Street party investigation
March 22, 2022, 8:20 am

Boris Johnson in a visit to one of England's prisons/Official Facebook page

The Pipa News reported, the Metropolitan Police said on Monday that police have begun interviewing witnesses as part of an investigation into alleged violations of lockdown rules at gatherings at the office and residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

According to the repor, police are investigating 12 gatherings held in Downing Street after an internal investigation found Johnson’s staff enjoyed alcohol-fueled parties, with the British leader himself attending some events.

The Met said in a statement: “Detectives investigating allegations of COVID-19 violations in Downing Street and Whitehall have begun interviewing people as witnesses."

The report mentioned that police said more than 100 questionnaires were sent as part of the investigation, with the initial responses helping to identify further persons, who were now also sent questionnaires.

Boris Johnson with former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Johnson's residence in Downing Stree (File photo: Official Facebook page)

Johnson is among those to receive a questionnaire about gatherings that took place when many people could not attend funerals or bid farewell to loved ones who died in hospital because of strict COVID-19 lockdown rules.

The revelations sparked widespread anger, and some politicians from the prime minister’s own party joined the opposition and called for him to leave.

Boris Johnson is taking charge after lockdown parties row

However, as the focus has shifted to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some, such as Conservative leader Douglas Ross in Scotland, have withdrawn that call, saying the focus should be on the war.

The police said that it has not yet referred any person for a definite penalty notice, which will be issued to those who will be deemed to be violating the COVID rules.

UK police investigating alleged lockdown parties at Downing Street

It said the investigation was proceeding as quickly as possible but did not give any time frame for its completion.

Source: pipanews

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