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Downing Street Garden Event
11 January 2022
Lead MP
Michael Ellis
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EducationParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 60
At a Glance
Michael Ellis raised concerns about downing street garden event in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Prime Minister and Michael Ellis apologised for the upset caused by allegations of gatherings in Downing Street and the Department for Education during November and December 2020. An investigation led by Sue Grey is ongoing, as requested by the Prime Minister to address these allegations. The minister emphasises that the same rules apply to everyone and highlights the need for a fair and impartial investigation before drawing conclusions.
Angela Rayner
Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Question
Rayner questioned the Prime Minister's absence from urgent questioning, cited tragic losses due to lack of medical support during the pandemic, and challenged the minister on whether the PM attended an event in Downing Street on 20 May 2020. She also raised concerns about the PM's integrity.
Minister reply
Ellis stated that the Prime Minister's absence is routine for urgent questions but he attends regularly to answer other questions. He emphasised that everyone follows the same rules and an investigation by Sue Grey will conclude in due course.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Swayne remarked on the need for order in life, implicitly questioning the implications of the current situation.
Minister reply
Ellis acknowledged the impact of the pandemic and emphasised that an investigation is underway to address allegations properly.
Question
Blackford questioned the PM's absence and accused the PM of double standards, having partied while others were suffering. He also challenged the integrity of Sue Grey.
Minister reply
Ellis defended Sue Grey’s independence and integrity, stating that she is conducting a thorough investigation as expected.
Question
Miller agreed that it is important to debate serious allegations but only once evidence has been collected.
Minister reply
Ellis supported waiting for the results of the investigation before making conclusions, agreeing with Maria Miller’s point.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Davey asked what should happen if a Conservative MP is found to have broken COVID laws.
Minister reply
Ellis stated that a fair investigation must take place before passing judgment.
Question
Bone inquired about the urgency of receiving Sue Grey's report and its timeline.
Minister reply
Ellis confirmed that the Prime Minister requested for a swift investigation, but did not specify a timeframe. The exact duration will be determined by Sue Grey independently.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
Eagle questioned the speed of receiving the report and suggested investigating days without parties to expedite the process.
Minister reply
Ellis emphasised the need for a fair investigation before making comments, aligning with principles of justice.
Question
There is absolutely no doubt that this is an important matter, but there will be a full investigation into it. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that, as we recover from the pandemic, this House’s time would be better spent debating how we build back better and level up?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to mention that in the governance of this country, both in dealing with the exigencies of the pandemic and in matters such as levelling up, this Government are performing and prioritising. She is right to focus on that.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
We know that the Prime Minister is socially distanced from accountability, responsibility and integrity. Can we be absolutely sure that he will be here tomorrow to face the music instead of hiding behind Sue Grey?
Minister reply
No one is hiding. The fact is that the Prime Minister will be before the House for Prime Minister’s questions in the normal course of events.
Christchurch
Question
Why cannot all the dirty linen be washed at once? Why are we getting this drip-feed of parties?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a good point. The reality is that we have a number of dates that have come out at different times, but 15 and 20 May 2020 are now among those dates.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Question
Does the Paymaster General agree that it would be utterly obscene if, at the same time—[Interruption.]
Minister reply
I am not going to presuppose any conclusions of the inquiry. It is taking place and even the Leader of the Opposition has said that we should let the inquiry play out and see what the findings are.
Question
The work of the second permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office is both important and urgent. Will my right hon. and learned Friend give any indication of when it might be completed?
Minister reply
I can say only that the Prime Minister has asked that the inquiry be swift.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
This is not the straw that broke the camel’s back; it is a 10-tonne weight being placed directly on the poor dilapidated beast’s posterior. Surely if the Prime Minister has a smidgen of self-respect or any sense of integrity, he will be listening to this and decide himself that it is time to go—for goodness’ sake, man, go!
Minister reply
The Prime Minister focuses on the primary purpose of running this country, which is to deliver on the manifesto promises of this Government.
Question
If the Prime Minister broke the law, he will resign, won’t he?
Minister reply
It is an entirely hypothetical position. The Prime Minister is going nowhere. He retains the confidence of the people of this country.
Question
A survey by the Alzheimer’s Society shows that the health of 82% of people affected by dementia deteriorated during the first lockdown. Reduced social contact was a significant contributory factor. Does the Minister therefore agree that it would be unforgivable for the Prime Minister to prevaricate, obfuscate, seek to evade or distract, joke, take refuge in an industrial refrigerator or perhaps just lie about parties at No. 10?
Minister reply
We will await the result of the investigation.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
More than 150,000 covid deaths, the highest toll in Europe; a cost-of-living crisis, with universal credit slashed and bills rocketing; a second jobs scandal; an attempt to let his corrupt mate off the hook; a dodgy flat donation; accusations of cash for access; and now this, a Downing Street party that was against the law and that the Prime Minister claimed did not happen but that he reportedly attended. After all this, does the Minister not feel embarrassed that the Prime Minister does not have the decency to resign?
Minister reply
I would say to the hon. Lady that she is fond of making unsubstantiated accusations that are devoid of evidence.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Question
The Paymaster General has been given an unenviable task this morning—he really, really has—but perhaps he could use his experience as a former Solicitor General and Attorney General to explain to the House what advice he would give to a hypothetical Prime Minister: someone who has perhaps lied to the country, someone who has perhaps lied to this House, someone who has laughed at times when people have died in their communities. What advice would the Paymaster General offer to that hypothetical Prime Minister?
Minister reply
The advice that I would always offer as a Law Officer is to be fair to all sides, listening to evidence and acting judiciously.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Question
Assaults on police officers in 2020-21 in England and Wales saw a 20% increase to over 25,000. I personally know of police officers who have been spat at, pushed, shoved and punched while doing their job, which includes enforcing the covid regulations. Given that all the evidence suggests that the party took place and that the Prime Minister was present, does the Paymaster General agree that the Prime Minister should write a letter of apology to every one of the police officers assaulted while enforcing covid regulations?
Minister reply
As the hon. Lady knows, this Prime Minister has always been a very strong supporter of the police.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
My beloved mum died of covid in March 2020. She died alone in hospital while I sat in the car outside trying to be as close to her as I could. Even burdened with our grief, my family obeyed the rules. Just three days after the Downing Street party, we marked a solemn Eid—the first without my lovely mum. When asked by Sky News about the parties, the Prime Minister did little but smirk and laugh. He should be here today but, as he is not, will the Minister confirm whether the Prime Minister will be apologising to bereaved families like mine for the anguish, pain and torment caused not just by hosting these parties but by continuing to lie about them?
Minister reply
I am appalled at the hon. Gentleman’s tragic loss, and I am so sorry to hear about his mother.
Warrington North
Question
A constituent of mine, who I will call Malcolm, got in touch this morning having been fined with a £100 fixed penalty notice for breaching the coronavirus regulations. He accepts his wrongdoing, but it strikes me as incredibly unfair that, at the same time as the Downing Street parties were happening and Ministers and MPs seemed to be flagrantly breaching the rules, constituents like mine should have to pay. When will Malcolm and everyone else who has been fined for breaching the regulations be getting their money back?
Minister reply
I presume that the hon. Lady’s constituent, together with others who have been penalised for breaching the regulations, was either duly convicted or accepted their responsibility.
Question
Why is the Downing Street social world more important than those lives and the law of the land, in relation to funeral restrictions during the pandemic?
Minister reply
Downing Street staff work hard for the people of this country. It would be unfair to characterise their actions negatively without evidence. The matter should not be prejudged until Sue Grey's investigation is complete.
Maria Eagle
Lab
Liverpool Garston
Question
Did the Prime Minister attend a gathering on 20 May?
Minister reply
This question is for Sue Grey and her investigation, not for me to answer at present.
Question
Does the Paymaster General believe that the Prime Minister's behaviour would give confidence to NHS staff who saved lives during the pandemic?
Minister reply
NHS staff deserve everything we can do for them. The Government respects and admires those who followed public health rules, as did the staff at No. 10.
Question
Why were Muslims unable to gather during Ramadan but staff in Downing Street could attend social events?
Minister reply
People of various faiths followed public health rules with a heavy heart, and the same should be expected for all gatherings.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Is it time for the Prime Minister to resign due to a crisis of public confidence?
Minister reply
The public does not necessarily believe what Mr. Burgon believes about the Prime Minister.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Question
Why should parents who followed rules during childbirth receive no apology from the PM when he partied?
Minister reply
The purpose of Sue Grey's investigation is to establish facts. If wrongdoing is found, there will be requisite action.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Question
Why should anyone believe the Prime Minister again after this scandal?
Minister reply
The PM answers questions regularly at Prime Minister's Questions. The investigation will determine if actions were justified or not.
Question
Has the Paymaster General asked the Prime Minister about a specific party?
Minister reply
I will not disclose personal conversations, but I am here to answer questions on behalf of the Government based on the ongoing investigation.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Question
What can the Minister say to Will and his family who lost a loved one under strict pandemic rules while others partied?
Minister reply
We understand the loss, everyone is equal under law. The investigation should come to its natural conclusion before making judgments.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
What can be said about a family who lost a loved one with strict funeral rules while the PM and others partied?
Minister reply
The impositions during the pandemic were necessary to protect public health. The investigation will determine if all parties followed the same rules.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Is it true that this Government lives by one rule for themselves and another for others during the pandemic?
Minister reply
There would be no investigation if this were true. The ongoing inquiry proves that everyone is held to the same standards.
Ellie Reeves
Lab
Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Question
When one of my constituents gave birth to her first child in May 2020, her husband could only be there for the final stages of labour. They were not allowed any visitors due to complications. Will the Minister now give an apology to the parents of 'lockdown babies'?
Minister reply
The minister expressed regret about the tragedy and inconvenience faced by families but declined to prejudge the ongoing investigation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
With 3,000 deaths due to covid in Northern Ireland and personal loss experienced, will the Paymaster General confirm that there will be a full and complete disclosure of investigations?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that results from the investigation will be made public.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Question
Did the Chancellor know about an event in Downing Street on 20 May 2020?
Minister reply
The minister stated that Sue Grey can inquire into this matter.
Erith and Thamesmead
Question
If the Prime Minister knowingly misled Parliament about a party, will he resign as per the ministerial code?
Minister reply
The minister stated that there is no indication of misleading Parliament and advised against making political points without awaiting Sue Grey’s investigation.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Will the Prime Minister show respect for the House by coming to answer questions about the party events?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that the Prime Minister will attend Prime Minister’s Questions and represent the Government.
Julie Elliott
Lab
Thirsk and Malton
Question
When will the Prime Minister come to the House, confess what has happened, and take responsibility for actions under his watch in Downing Street?
Minister reply
The minister stated that the Prime Minister will continue representing the Government and recognising the pandemic's impact.
Ronnie Cowan
SNP
East Renfrewshire
Question
Who among this Government is brave enough to tell the Prime Minister that the party is finally over?
Minister reply
The minister advised waiting for Sue Grey’s investigation and acknowledged the importance of Nolan principles.
Sam Tarry
Lab
Ilford South
Question
When will the Prime Minister use his next address to the nation to apologise for rule-breaking during the pandemic?
Minister reply
The minister expressed sorrow over impositions but emphasised the necessity of adhering to pandemic restrictions.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
When will this investigation be over?
Minister reply
The minister stated that fairness requires awaiting the results of any commissioned investigations.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
Has the Paymaster General been told whether the Prime Minister attended a Downing Street party on 20 May?
Minister reply
The minister declined to discuss private conversations between Government Ministers.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South
Question
I was pleased to hear the Paymaster General tell us earlier that the Prime Minister has recently visited a police station. I hope he will be visiting another one soon, this time with the benefit of his solicitor. Last April, the Joint Committee on Human Rights issued a report saying that fixed penalty notices were “muddled, discriminatory and unfair”. The incident currently being investigated only goes to show that we were right in our concerns about unfair enforcement during the pandemic. Will the Government now commit to reviewing all fixed penalty notices issued during the height of the crisis, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Human Rights?
Minister reply
Surely the hon. and learned Lady would know about the pillars of fair justice. She knows that it is necessary to wait for the result of the investigation. As for enforcement of rules, they apply equally to everyone in this country.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Question
In May 2020, a constituent told me that she had given birth but could not have anyone round due to pandemic conditions. She felt unsupported and alone. How does the Minister feel about the behaviour of the Prime Minister and Downing Street staff enjoying a drinks party while new mothers like my constituent felt unsupported?
Minister reply
I can tell the hon. Lady how I feel about what has happened: considerable regret and sorrow for those who have suffered loss. However, my feelings are irrelevant; what matters is the opinion of those charged with investigating gatherings that may or may not have taken place.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
The Paymaster General has made various references to fairness and natural justice but has made no reference at all to the Nolan principles: honesty, leadership and accountability. Why will the Prime Minister not come clean about whether he attended a party or not? Why is he hiding behind Sue Grey’s investigation?
Minister reply
No one is hiding behind anything. The fact is that the Prime Minister will be here at PMQs tomorrow to answer questions. We must not prejudge the matter; we await the result of the investigations.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
My constituent, Alison Lawther, a nurse in the ICU at Whittington Hospital, had to watch her grandmother’s funeral on Zoom while slaving away. What does the Paymaster General say to Alison and to her family given that she had to work while others partied?
Minister reply
I can only offer my condolences to the hon. Lady's constituent for their terrible loss, and I offer those condolences through her to her constituent.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Swansea West
Question
At the time of the No.10 Downing Street party, people in Swansea could have faced fines between £60 and £1,920 for similar events. Does that not show the respect that the Welsh Labour Government have for their citizens compared to the Prime Minister's contempt? Given that he must know whether he was at the party, why will he not simply say that?
Minister reply
It would be inappropriate to make a running commentary on an investigation in progress. We will continue to await the result of the investigations undertaken by Sue Grey.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
My constituent Ruby Fuller, who died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma on 15 May, had many friends. She was allowed just 10 people at her funeral while the Prime Minister sat enjoying cheese and wine in Downing Street garden. What does the Prime Minister have to say—via his Minister—to Ruby’s family?
Minister reply
To lose such a young life at such a tragic age is a sorrow that those who loved her will never be able to get over. The Prime Minister would offer condolences for their loss and thank Ruby for making people around her happy.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Question
Every moment that goes by without the Government saying where the PM was on 20 May makes them a laughing stock, undermining public health messages. Will he apologise to the heroes of the NHS who spent hours in full PPE while keeping lockdown rules?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has personally thanked all those who have worked to protect people during this pandemic and will continue to do so.
Martin Docherty
Lab
West Dunbartonshire
Question
As of yesterday, 300 men and women in Clydebank, Dumbarton, and the Vale of Leven have died of covid-19. I ask the Paymaster General whether they agree that if a Tory party took place during a global public health emergency and the Prime Minister participated or sanctioned it, this would be a fatal blow to his premiership?
Minister reply
It is not appropriate to prejudge what occurred; we will await the outcome of an independent investigation.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Today, I received an email from a constituent who was unable to hold her mother's hand before she died in a nursing home. She is outraged by the actions of the Prime Minister and those who partied at Downing Street. Does the Paymaster General agree that the Prime Minister needs to take decent action and resign?
Minister reply
No, I do not agree; it would be inappropriate. The PM has led in dealing with the crisis, delivering on vaccines, healthcare, and across the board. We await the results of an independent investigation.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Question
Two days after the party on 20 May, revelations about Dominic Cummings came out. Five days later was a Downing Street press conference explaining activities in Barnard Castle. Constituents are angry and want honesty from the Government. Can the Paymaster General publish a list of the Prime Minister’s engagements on 20 May?
Minister reply
It is not for me to disclose such information, as it follows general practice that those engagements which are routinely released are public record; others are not. The House will wait for results of an independent investigation.
Question
A constituent, Frances, whose brother has learning disabilities, was upset about the partying during lockdown when her family could not visit their loved ones in distress due to rules. What does the Paymaster General say to Frances and her brother?
Minister reply
My heart goes out to those who have suffered personal loss or tragedy; we are working hard to mitigate pandemic impacts.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
Constituents report personal tragedies due to the lockdown rules, one unable to hug mother after her aunt’s suicide and another not able to visit a brother or elderly parent. Kerry asks that the Prime Minister speak directly to the House tomorrow.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister will be present tomorrow at PMQs as usual to answer questions.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Jane Nicholson lost her mother in lockdown and followed all rules responsibly. Her email says, ‘No one is above the law.’ What does the Paymaster General have to say to Jane?
Minister reply
I apologise for the upset caused by the allegations; I await an independent investigation.
Question
Some think the Paymaster General’s performance at the Dispatch Box is commendable, but Peter sees it as a place for Ministers to tell the truth with complete candour. Is he aware that his own reputation has been shredded in this hour and fifteen minutes?
Minister reply
I leave others to make such judgments.
Question
A constituent’s mother died due to coronavirus, the funeral was conducted via webcam. If an investigation reports a party held by Prime Minister or other Ministers, what is an appropriate political sanction?
Minister reply
It would not be appropriate for me to make that judgment before the results of the independent inquiry are available.
Question
If someone was hosting a gathering in their back garden they would likely notice it and remember if they were there. Does the Paymaster General agree this is why Prime Minister’s authority is draining away?
Minister reply
No, I do not agree; Government buildings are not domestic buildings as characterised by the hon. Gentleman.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
When someone’s conduct undermines their role's integrity and trust, they should be suspended. Why is the Prime Minister not suspended?
Minister reply
The investigation is about gatherings, not individuals necessarily; remedial action will follow if inquiry leads to other developments.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Is it the case that the Prime Minister has been laughing at and lying to the public?
Minister reply
It is nonsense to make such assumptions or accusations against the Prime Minister; his characterisation by hon. Gentleman is unworthy and unfair.
Shadow Comment
Angela Rayner
Shadow Comment
Angela Rayner criticised the absence of the Prime Minister from the House during urgent questioning. She cited personal sacrifices made by individuals during the pandemic, including a constituent who lost their partner due to lack of medical support. Rayner questioned whether the PM attended an event in Downing Street on 20 May 2020 and challenged the minister's defence of the investigation as a cover-up.
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