Boris Johnson accused of breaking own COVID rules-fury as Opposition demands police action - Daily Express

Opposition MPs are demanding an investigation and for police action to be taken if the claims are found to be true. But Tory MPs have hit back at the allegations, saying the so-called gathering would pass current rules as it was held at a workplace as part of their job. Gatherings of more than 30 people are currently illegal under the Government's COVID-19 guidelines. Those who break the rules on illegal gatherings could risk a fine of up to £3,200. 

Commenting on the story today, the Prime Minister's spokesman did not deny the claims. 

But they added: "The Prime Minister abides by the social distancing rules that are in place."

Three MPs told Bloomberg the group was packed into a room limited to just 29. 

Although some MPs did adhere to social distancing measures, late arrivals to the meeting were forced to pack tightly into the room. 

Despite the criticism towards the Prime Minister, chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, Sir Graham Brady, claimed social distancing measures were maintained during the meeting. 

He added: "It's a workplace and social distancing of one metre plus was maintained as per Government guidance for other workplaces.

"Obviously it is important that the democratic process is not interrupted.”

In criticism of the alleged gathering, Lib Dem MP for Norden, Wera Hobhouse and Scottish Lib Dem MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain, wrote a letter to Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg seeking assurances on the matter. 

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This comes as the Government has pledged to push forward with a new nationwide testing strategy. 

This week Health Secretary, Matt Hancock revealed a new £500million investment in community testing trials across the country. 

While this new regime will be brought in, it will not replace the UK's push for a new vaccine. 

It will also run alongside the Test and Trace programme. 

He said: "Short of a vaccine, this is the best chance we have of reducing social distancing whilst controlling the virus, especially with winter coming, with all the challenges that brings. 

"At the moment the system works well. Of course there are operational challenges from time to time but it works well.

“And we’re finding a higher and higher proportion of people in the country who have coronavirus and getting them tests so they can be looked after.

“But absolutely we need to roll out more testing – we have done throughout this crisis and today’s another step in solving some of those problems with the existing technology.”

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2020-09-04 12:33:00Z
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