PM will ‘respond as required’ after Met send Boris questionnaire – No 10 statement in full
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Last month, the Met Police confirmed that it would be officially investigating a number of lockdown parties held in Downing Street during the Covid pandemic. The force revealed earlier this week that as part of its enquiry, it will begin contacting more than 50 people alleged to have attended these events, with questionnaires also being sent out to individuals. On Friday, it was confirmed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had received one such letter. So, what was the response from Downing Street?
In a statement a No 10 spokesperson said: “We can confirm the Prime Minister has received a questionnaire from the Metropolitan Police. He will respond as required.”
Questionnaires are being sent to those alleged to have been at events on eight dates between May 2020 and April 2021.
The Met has said it “must be answered truthfully” and that it will ask individuals to give their account of what happened.
Mr Johnson’s wife Carrie is also expected to be among some 50 people being emailed.
Why has Mr Johnson been sent a letter?
Altogether, the Met is examining 12 gatherings on eight dates to understand if Covid regulations were broken.
Of these, the PM is known to have attended at least three events:
- May 20, 2020 in the Downing Street garden
- June 19, 2020 in the Cabinet Room for the PM’s birthday
- November 13, 2020 on the departure of a special adviser
Who is leading the investigation?
The Met’s enquiry – dubbed Operation Hillman – is being led by detectives from the Special Enquiries Team, which focuses on sensitive cases.
Jane Connors, the force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Lead for Covid enforcement, is directing the team involved.
Ms Connors played a key role in the strategic response to the 2017 Westminster terror attack and has previously been in charge of handling Extinction Rebellion protests in London.
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How is the Met investigating?
Officers have been handed more than 300 images and 500 plus pages of information from Ms Gray’s own investigation.
According to the Met, these are being reviewed “at pace” to identify which individuals they will need to contact.
In her report, Ms Gray revealed that she had looked into 16 alleged gatherings, with the Met ruling four out of their own investigation.
What action could be taken?
Under the Coronavirus Act, Covid breaches do not come with prison sentences, but are punishable by fines.
During the summer of 2020, the Met Police had the power to fine people £100 for the first Covid offence – lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Subsequent offences could then amount to fines up to a maximum of £3,200.
Failure or refusal to pay the fine could result in being prosecuted and having to go to court.
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