With COVID-19 restrictions seemingly easing, it seems some were not following the rules quite as closely as assumed. A recent string of accusations against Boris Johnson’s government includes not-so-secret affairs, breaking travel restrictions, and insensitive interviews. The latest allegation follows a leaked photograph of a ‘wine and cheese’ evening in Downing Street Garden on 20 May 2020. Given that lockdown restrictions were at a peak in the UK, the public has quite rightly taken offense to this hypocrisy. Why make rules which they themselves cannot even follow? With increasing calls for Boris to resign, is there any way this relationship with the public can be rebuilt? This has unsurprisingly done no wonders for the government’s relationship with the British public. Currently, it seems as if this hangover may not have a cure.
Reportedly, on 20 May 2020, Boris Johnson, his wife, and around 40 other attendees were present at drinks within the Downing Street Garden. Since this, leaked emails show that private secretary, Martin Reynolds, invited around 100 MP’s to enjoy the sunshine in the Garden for ‘socially distanced drinks.’ Whilst I have never been to the Downing Street Garden, I somehow doubt it could safely have accommodated that many people. Significantly, severe lockdown restrictions were present during May 2020, with individuals unable to meet more than one person, even outdoors. Ironically, this very day, Oliver Dowden, ex-Culture Secretary, even reminded the public of the importance of these rules, which really does rub salt into the wound. So, it appears that Downing Street somehow truly believed they were exempt from this.
After weeks of refusing to directly comment about the claims, in typical Boris fashion, investigations into the boozy affair resulted in Boris finally admitting to the scandal in the House of Commons. Despite apologising, and admitting that in retrospect, he should have handled matters differently, retrospect certainly is a fine thing, and this apology to the nation has not proved sufficient. Especially since Boris has failed to take complete accountability, claiming he “thought [he] was attending a work event,” which he planned to remain at for only twenty-five minutes. Furthermore, he stated that “nobody told me that what we were doing was against the rules.” As a creator of the rules, I wouldn’t have thought he needed telling.
People have quickly taken to mocking Boris over social media, as they fail to wrap their heads around the paradox of his assertions. Now, assuming we give Boris the benefit of the doubt here that he truly assumed it was a ‘work event,’ it raises the question, why did he not order his staff to return to their office’s and adhere to the rules? Also, whilst one cannot argue that wine and cheese break would certainly brighten anyone’s day at work, has anyone ever experienced this during a supposed ‘work’ meeting? Surely, Boris should accept his blunder here and give the nation the apology they really deserve.
This doesn’t bode well given the number of MP’s who have already had to resign due to flouting of lockdown rules, including Matt Hancock due to his affair, and Allegra Stratton after joking about an alleged lockdown Christmas Party during an interview, to name but a few. And with new allegations surfacing rapidly, it is no surprise the British public feels deep hurt and anger towards the government. With summer holidays cancelled, families unable to see each other for months, and many not even being able to see loved ones on their death bed, the government flouting of the rules seems like a cruel joke. Surely, the public will now be less inclined to make these sacrifices if asked again.
Some may wonder, what is the harm of a few wine and cheese evenings amongst friends, especially given the immense pressure the government were facing when trying to combat Covid-19. But, given the number of hefty fines issued to the public for similar events, this hypocrisy is going to strike a nerve with more than just a few. Reportedly, 124,581 fines have been issued across England and Wales by police forces for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions. These fines simply added to the struggles of many, and in light of recent events, seem rather inhumane.
It is not just the British public that Boris has angered here, but even the Queen. Boris was forced to openly apologise to Her Majesty after it was revealed that his staff held a leaving party, sneaking in a suitcase full of alcoholic beverages, the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral, and whilst the Queen was forced to mourn alone due to coronavirus restrictions. Despite supposedly leading the British nation, this act appears extremely unpatriotic. Is there anyone that Boris hasn’t harmed?
With many calls from the public for Boris to resign, as well as votes of no confidence from his own party, the end does in fact seem near for the PM. Sue Grey, who is leading the investigation into the illicit partys’, has delayed publishing her report as new allegations keep emerging, requiring yet more witnesses. This places Boris in a very precarious position as despite trying to buy his time until this report is released, the damage seems to have already been done.
Given the immense struggles we have all faced during the past two years, our lives completely altered and having to put all our faith into the Conservative government, this is a slap in the face. Whilst not everyone has been diligently following the rules, learning that these authority figures have broken them repeatedly, seems like a personal attack. Boris has been well and truly caught red-handed, and it appears no amount of bluffing can save his reputation in the eyes of the British public. Maybe, just maybe, the most respectable thing for him to do would be to step down.
Words by Hannah Robinson
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