UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak received fines from UK Metropolitan Police Tuesday for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules.
UK Metropolitan Police announced that they have made “over 50 referrals for fixed penalty notices (FPN) to the ACRO Criminal Records Office for breaches of Covid-19 regulations who following the referral issue the FPNs to individuals.” These referrals include both Johnson and Sunak.
A Cabinet Office report released in January details an investigation into alleged gatherings on government premises during COVID-19 restrictions. This report states “a number of these gatherings should not have been allowed to take place or to develop in the way that they did.”
Johnson apologized before Parliament in January for attending a garden party during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown after his attendance became known. Johnson once again apologized on Tuesday after receiving his fine for the “partygate” scandal, stating “I paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology.”
Sunak also received a fine for breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules. In a statement he said:
I can confirm I have received a fixed penalty notice from the Metropolitan police with regards to a gathering held on June 19 in Downing Street. I offer an unreserved apology. I understand that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence. I respect the decision that has been made and have paid the fine. I know people sacrificed a great deal during Covid, and they will find this situation upsetting. I deeply regret the frustration and anger caused and I am sorry. Like the prime minister, I am focused on delivering for the British people at this challenging time.