UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a public apology following the leak of a video that appears to show a lockdown party at Downing Street. The video, which was never intended for public viewing, captured an exchange that occurred in a multi-million dollar briefing room designed to improve the government's image.
In the video, spokesperson Allegra Stratton was asked, \"Would the Prime Minister condone having a Christmas party?\" to which she hesitantly responded, \"It wasn't a party… it was cheese and wine.\" The interaction, intended as a joke, has been met with widespread public criticism, especially given the strict COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time that banned social gatherings outside households.
The incident has ignited public outrage as millions across the UK were unable to spend the festive season with their families due to tightened restrictions and a surge in COVID-19 cases. On the day the party occurred, December 18, the UK reported 514 COVID-19 related deaths, intensifying the backlash against perceived governmental hypocrisy.
Prime Minister Johnson and his staff had previously denied any such gatherings took place, but the leaked video has undermined those statements, leading to ongoing prosecutions against those accused of breaking the rules.
Reference(s):
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologizes for lockdown party video
cgtn.com
