London, Europe Brief News – UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised and vowed to “fix” government after a damning report criticized heavy drinking culture and partying during strict Covid-19 lockdown.
Boris Johnson says he has paid a police fine for attending a lockdown-breaching party and offers a ‘full apology’.
“Let me say immediately that I’ve paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology,” Johnson said in a TV address on Tuesday.
The Chancellor of Exchequer Rishi Sunak will also be fined.
UK’s Metropolitan Police force said earlier on Tuesday that it was issuing 30 more fixed penalty notices in relation to the “Partygate” scandal, which has seen dozens of politicians and officials investigated over allegations that the government flouted its own coronavirus pandemic restrictions and caused a wave of public anger.
The court ruling sparked calls for his resignation and a Metropolitan police investigation into possible rule breaking.
Labour immediately called for both to the PM and chancellor resign while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for parliament to be recalled for a vote of confidence in Mr Johnson.
So far, a total of more than 50 fines have been handed for Covid law-breaking in government buildings.
The Met disclosed that it had now referred more than 50 cases for fixed penalties as a result of the probe, called Operation Hillman.
In January, the Met launched an investigation into 12 events where restrictions may have been breached.
