The Chief Constable of Scotland Yard, Cressida Dick, has confirmed this Tuesday that this Body will investigate “several events” at the official Downing Street residence for the last two years related to a “potential possible violation of regulations by COVID-19”.
In an appearance before the London Assembly – the body that oversees the activities of the Mayor of London – Dick indicated that he understood the “deep public concern” Given the news that has emerged in recent weeks that suggest that members of the Government carried out activities that were prohibited in the confinements.
“I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police (The Met, also known as Scotland Yard) will now investigate a number of events that have occurred in Downing Street over the past two years (of the pandemic) in relation to a potential breach of COVID-19 regulations.”
The police have pointed out that the fact that the Met is now going to investigate “does not, of course, mean that it will necessarily be fined in all cases and all people involved.”
Dick has also advanced that Scotland Yard does not intend to comment during the course of its investigation although it will report when there are “significant points”.
“Without fear or favouritism”
The commissioner has also admitted that there are “several other events that occurred in Downing Street and Whitehall – government offices – that have also been evaluated, but it was thought that they did not meet the threshold to be taken into account in a criminal investigation”.
In his appearance before the so-called committee for the police and crime of the London Assembly, Dick stressed that the police force carries out its work “without fear or favouritism. We do our homework impartially and independently“.
“Most citizens have acted responsibly during the pandemic; many, many people, including many Londoners, and my colleagues in the police force, have made enormous sacrifices and many have suffered considerable losses during the pandemic,” he stressed.
There is currently an ongoing internal investigation into these social events – which allegedly broke the rules – in Downing Street and Whitehall by the senior British official Sue Gray, who, as confirmed today by a spokesman for the Cabinet Office, will continue with his inquiries despite the announcement made by Scotland Yard.
“The investigation being carried out by Sue Gray will continue. There is continuous contact with the Metropolitan Police“, assured the official source of the Government.
It is not clear, however, if the publication of this report that Gray will prepare after his investigation will be delayed now that the Met is also investigating the same matter.
The police announcement further strains the Prime Minister’s delicate political position, Boris Johnson, after yesterday the British channel ITV uncovered that he himself celebrated his own birthday party in Downing Street on June 19, 2020, in full confinement. According to that channel, about 30 people attended that “surprise” celebration.
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
