After a new scandal, a new apology. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office apologized to Queen Elizabeth II on Friday after British media revealed that a group of government officials broke the confinement rules and had two parties in Downing Street on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral.
“It is deeply regrettable that this came at a time of national mourning and the number 10 [referência à residência oficial do premiê] apologized to the Palace,” said a spokesman for Boris.
According to the cabinet, the prime minister was not present at the time and was not even invited. Boris was at Checkers, his country house.
Information about the parties the day before the funeral of the queen’s husband was reported by the Telegraph this Thursday (13). According to the newspaper, employees in Boris’s office drank alcohol in abundance, and some guests danced until late at the farewell of communications director James Slack and a photographer of the British leader, events that took place separately.
The events would have taken place amid the health restrictions in place to contain the spread of Covid. These measures marked Prince Philip’s funeral, held the following day. The ceremony was symbolized by the image of Queen Elizabeth II alone in the church to comply with the rules of distancing.
Boris faces resignation calls, including from his own party, precisely because of the parties in Downing Street, his official residence, while the United Kingdom was under strict confinement.
The recent string of scandals began when another event took place on Downing Street during the 2020 Christmas season, when in-person celebrations were banned due to sanitary restrictions. The episode led to the resignation of an aide to Boris.
Just last month, British newspapers The Guardian and The Independent carried out an investigation pointing out that around 20 government officials had a party in May 2020 – there are reports that there were as many as 40. A photo of the event – ​​washed down with cheese and wine — showed the prime minister in the garden of the official residence, which contradicted his initial version that no celebration had taken place.
The crisis worsened on Monday (10), when the ITV network released an email sent by the prime minister’s private secretary inviting at least 100 government officials to the occasion.
“After an incredibly busy period, it would be nice to make the most of the pleasant weather and socially-distance a few drinks in the gardens at number 10 [referência a Downing Street]”, stated the message from Martin Reynolds. “Please join us at 6pm and bring your drink!”
Under pressure, Boris admitted for the first time on Wednesday (12) that he broke the confinement rules by participating in the party. In front of Parliament, he said that the outrage caused is understandable.
In the prime minister’s version, he thought that the event was a work meeting, as the garden of the official residence functions, according to him, as an extension of the office. Boris said he stayed there for 25 minutes to thank the staff and then returned to his office.
“In hindsight, I should have sent everyone back inside, found another way to thank them, and recognized that even though it was technically within the guidelines [por ser um ambiente aberto], there would be millions and millions of people who wouldn’t see it that way”.
“People who suffered terribly,” the premier continued, “and were forbidden to meet loved ones, indoors or out; and to them and to this House I offer my sincere apologies.”
The admission and apology, however, did not calm the spirits of parliamentarians, who had already been subjecting the prime minister to a process of frying in recent months. Boris’ speech provoked boos and laughter in Parliament, especially from opposition lawmakers.
Even among conservative lawmakers there were expressions of discontent. Co-religionist Christopher Chope described Boris’ statement as “the most abject apology he’s ever heard”, and Roger Gale, another legend, said that politically the prime minister was “the undead”.
The episodes add to the electoral defeat of the Conservative Party in a region that was its political stronghold for 200 years, symbol of the premier’s declining image. In the same week, the government suffered another casualty: David Frost, minister of Brexit, resigned citing concerns about the direction of the administration.
Two public opinion polls released on Tuesday (11) show that more than half of respondents believe that the prime minister should leave office. Analysts, however, consider the resignation unlikely, partly because of Boris’ ability to escape crises, but also because of the absence of a name among conservatives who can muster the support to form a majority in parliament.
British police said on Thursday they would not investigate the events unless an internal government inquiry found evidence of possible crimes.
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