Downing Street Christmas party row: RECAP: Boris Johnson announces Plan B measures in England as pressure mounts
Boris Johnson is set to address the public on coronavirus as ministers consider imposing new restrictions in response to rising cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.
The Prime Minister will front a press conference from Downing Street at 6pm on Wednesday, No 10 said, after considering measures including guidance to work from home and the introduction of domestic vaccine passports for events and large venues.
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Hide AdLeaked footage from No 10’s £2.6 million press briefing room emerged on Monday night which showed former press secretary Allegra Stratton laughing as she appeared to rehearse answers to questions over a lockdown-busting Christmas party.
The video, which is reported to be from December 22 last year, refers to a party on “Friday” – which would have been December 18, the same day The Daily Mirror reported there was a staff party where games were played, food and drinks were served, and revelries went on past midnight.
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Politics Live: Boris Johnson holds press conference on Covid at Downing Street
Boris Johnson said he had asked Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to look at allegations relating to December 18, rather than at any other dates.
He said: “As far as I’m concerned, all the evidence I can see is that people in this building have stayed within the rules.
“If that turns out not to be the case, and people wish to bring allegations to my attention or to the police or whoever, then of course there will be proper sanctions.”
He added: “He (Mr Case) is looking at the issue of December 18, he may wish to look at other things but that is a matter, frankly, for him.”
Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference that Cabinet Secretary Simon Case’s investigation will look into “what took place on December 18” rather than other alleged parties.
“As for other events, dates … as far as I’m aware, to the best of my knowledge we have followed the rules throughout,” he said.
“Indeed, as far as I’m aware, the rules were followed on December 18 as well.”
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, told the Commons: “It’s deja vu all over again, isn’t it?
“Can I remind the Secretary of State that in March 2020 we were asked to impose restrictions for three weeks while the health service capacity was increased.
“Can he tell the House how much that capacity has now been increased?”
The Health Secretary said the Prime Minister had already addressed the issue of Christmas parties in Downing Street as he faced criticism from Labour about the damage it had done to public trust.
Sajid Javid said: “On his questions about what may or may not have happened at Downing Street I think the Prime Minister addressed that issue quite clearly today from this despatch box.”
After questions from shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, Mr Javid also confirmed the NHS Covid pass “will not include access to any emergency settings”.
He also said lab-confirmed PCR testing and home test Lateral Flow Devices for Covid would “continue to remain free” for people to use as Omicron spread, and that there were large supplies of both.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, criticised the decision to make the NHS Covid pass mandatory in England for nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather.
He said: “Today’s announcement of Plan B by the Government is devastating news for nightlife sector.
“Vaccine Passports have a damaging impact on Night Time Economy businesses, as we have seen in other parts of the UK where they have been implemented like Scotland – where trade is down 30% – and Wales, where it down 26%.
Boris Johnson is asked how he stand exactly where some of his team laughed and joked about COVID rules and tell people they lost now follow new instructions.
The PM starts by paying tribute to Allegra Stratton work on a “sad day for her”
“I’m very, very sorry to lose her...I take responsibility for everything that happens in this government.”
He adds: “I think the British public can see the vital importance of the medical instruction that we’re giving.”
Boris Johnson says “It is now the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B in England while continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations, so we slow the spread of the virus, buy ourselves the time to get yet more boosters into arms, especially in the older and more vulnerable people.”
Boris Johnson confirmed it was time to move to “Plan B” of the Government’s coronavirus strategy, with measures including a return to working from home.
At a press conference he said: “It has become increasingly clear that Omicron is growing much faster than the previous Delta variant and is spreading rapidly all around the world.”
“We will reintroduce the guidance to work from home.
“Employers should use the rest of the week to discuss working arrangements with their employees but from Monday you should work from home if you can.
“Go to work if you must but work from home if you can.
“I know this will be hard for many people but by reducing your contacts in the workplace, you will help slow transmission.”
The NHS Covid pass is to be made mandatory in England in a week’s time for nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather, Boris Johnson has announced. Guidance to work from home is also be reintroduced