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Easter Recess: Government Update
19 April 2022
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 86
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about easter recess: government update 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
On April 12, Boris Johnson received a fixed penalty notice for an event in Downing Street on June 19, 2020. He paid the fine immediately and offered a full apology to the British people. Acknowledging the hurt caused by his mistake, he committed to changing how things work at No. 10. Johnson discussed Russia's failure to capture Kyiv and praised Ukraine’s heroism in repelling Russian forces with support from Britain and allies. He visited President Zelensky in Kyiv on April 9 and assured him of the UK's resolve to provide weapons for defence. To address domestic issues, the Government will spend over £9 billion to help families struggling with energy bills and insulate homes. They aim to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas by making British energy greener, more affordable, and secure through expanding offshore wind and building a new reactor annually.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Question
What a joke! The latest mealy-mouthed apology is followed by deflections. Public disbelief in the Prime Minister's words has damaged institutions he vowed to protect.
Minister reply
Johnson apologised again, profusely, to John Robinson and others affected. He argued that the Leader of the Opposition should have addressed issues such as the crisis in Ukraine rather than indulging in personal abuse.
Question
A fixed penalty notice is a civil penalty fine paid within 28 days, which eliminates future prosecution and does not imply guilt or stain character.
Minister reply
Johnson clarified that he does not minimise the importance of this fine. He sincerely regrets his mistake and accepts the police's decision.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Question
The Prime Minister is accused of deliberately misleading the House by denying that parties happened at No. 10 Downing Street. The public no longer trusts him due to his breaking the laws he had set, making it impossible for him to lead effectively during crises such as the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister apologises profusely but insists that focusing on leadership is necessary, suggesting that the Scottish National party's stance on nuclear disarmament undermines their credibility.
Maldon
Question
Acknowledging breaches of coronavirus rules from two years ago, the MP asks for additional measures to support Ukraine following discussions with President Biden and others.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister emphasises stepping up military hardware supplies in response to the conflict's perilous stage.
Margaret Hodge
Lab
Birkenhead
Question
Challenges the Prime Minister’s credibility by questioning his refusal to resign after breaking laws he set, in contrast to demanding P&O Ferries’ boss’s resignation on similar grounds.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister acknowledges a serious mistake and apologises sincerely.
Mark Harper
Con
Folkestone and Hythe
Question
Supports the Government's actions in aiding Ukraine but regrets that it is led by a man who broke laws he told others to follow, asking for Conservative MPs to defend this indefensible situation.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister repeats his apology and emphasises focusing on British people’s priorities.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Question
Asks if the Prime Minister understands the damage to trust in Government due to his actions, questioning whether MPs should have a free vote on Thursday regarding his position.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister repeats his earlier apology.
Jake Berry
Con
Rossendale and Darwen
Question
Suggests Britain leading a new Marshall plan to rebuild Ukraine after defeating Putin, funded from confiscated Russian oligarch assets.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks his suggestion and confirms ongoing discussions with President Zelensky.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Question
Claims the Prime Minister only apologises when caught, suggesting he is either a liar or an idiot.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks him and reiterates respect for police decision.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asks if the Prime Minister has power to authorise Sue Grey to publish her report in full, suggesting it could end this matter.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks his suggestion but insists Met should conclude its investigation first.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Question
Questions if the Prime Minister’s 1,000th day in office will be his last due to numerous failures and scandals.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister lists achievements such as social care fixes and fastest vaccine programme.
Tom Hunt
Lab
City of Chester
Question
Acknowledges the Prime Minister's apology, asking if months-long drama will play into Putin’s hands.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister emphasises focusing on issues such as the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis.
Mick Whitley
Con
Tamworth
Question
Suggests remaining in office deals a blow to rule of law, asking if the Prime Minister will put national interest before personal ambition.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister repeats his apology and directs MPs to earlier comments.
Warrington North
Question
I thank the Prime Minister for his update on the energy security strategy, in particular the support offered for steel. It is the latest in a long line of support that he has brought forward, and it also sets out plans for wind, solar and nuclear. Does he agree that the best possible place to make the steel needed for those projects is right here in the UK?
Minister reply
Yes, my hon. Friend is completely right. That is why our energy security strategy is vital not just for consumers, but for British industry.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
A new poll shows that three quarters of the public think the Prime Minister deliberately lied about breaking lockdown rules, yet on Thursday the Prime Minister will order his MPs to stop his lawbreaking ever coming before the Privileges Committee. If the Prime Minister has nothing to hide, why not do the straightforward thing and refer himself to the Privileges Committee? What is he scared of?
Minister reply
The House will decide.
Peter Bone
Con
Wellingborough
Question
I thank the Prime Minister for coming to the House at the earliest opportunity to update us on the situation. Following your announcement, Mr Speaker, this House will have to decide on Thursday whether to refer the Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee. There is only one issue—whether the Prime Minister deliberately misled the House—so I ask him: did you deliberately mislead the House at the Dispatch Box?
Minister reply
No.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Prime Minister, millions of angry people across the United Kingdom will remain angry, even after today’s apology, because of what they have gone through, but any objective listener will recognise that, for whatever reason, the apology was genuine. And I remind the Prime Minister that hundreds of thousands of Unionists in Northern Ireland are angry about other things as well. However, it is important to focus on the future, rather than the past.
The Prime Minister said that he discussed the situation in Ukraine with world leaders today. That situation is becoming desperate. What discussions has he had about giving Ukrainian forces the appropriate weaponry so that they can drive back the Russians, liberate their country and avoid all the consequences for our economy, oil, and food for the rest of the world?
Minister reply
As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the UK is in continual discussion with the Ukrainians about what we can do to help them to defend themselves. A lot has gone there, a lot more will be going, and I pay tribute to a particular Northern Ireland business—Short Brothers, which is now Thales—that has been absolutely indispensable in helping the Ukrainians against Russian armour.
John Baron
Con
Basildon & Billericay
Question
The Government and the British people have provided extensive support to Ukrainian refugees, but around 200 British Council contractors remain in Afghanistan, many of whom are fleeing the Taliban. I am awaiting a meeting with the Refugees Minister that was promised back in November, so will the Prime Minister use his good offices to speed that meeting along?
Minister reply
Yes, of course. Those 200 contractors for the British Council should, I believe, automatically be eligible and certainly should be able to come under the scheme we have put in place, but I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting he wants.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Russia, I found it difficult this Easter to have any faith, seeing the barbarity meted out to the people of Ukraine: women tortured and raped, their children tortured and raped, and their menfolk, in many cases, with hands tied and then shot in the back of the head. All those things we know to be war crimes, but many of the worst atrocities are being committed by sociopaths working as mercenaries—paid for by the Russian Government and the Russian state, but none the less working as mercenaries. The UK still is not a signatory to the convention on mercenaries. Is it not time we put a stop to this terrible barbarity, not just in Ukraine, but in other places in the world where mercenaries from the Wagner Group operate with sociopathic intent?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much. I will study his proposal on mercenaries. He has been right for a long time on Russia, and he has been vindicated.
North Cotswolds
Question
I have heard the fulsome apology by the Prime Minister, but he is taking a lead in Ukraine and I suggest he needs to keep giving Ukraine defensive weapons so that we can eventually drag President Putin and the Russian Federation to a peace agreement. Will he then lead the world in gaining reparations so that the great country of Ukraine can be rebuilt?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his staunch position on Ukraine. He is completely right. I am afraid there is now no easy way to find a diplomatic or negotiated solution; I know the House would have preferred that, but it will be difficult to construct an off-ramp for Vladimir Putin. We are now in a logic where we must simply do everything we can collectively to ensure that Vladimir Putin fails, and fails comprehively, in Ukraine.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
The majority of my constituents are “sickened and furious” that the Prime Minister broke the laws that they followed, putting their lives on hold, missing out on big life events and even losing the chance to say goodbye to loved ones, in order to protect the NHS and save lives. Does the Prime Minister agree with my constituent Robert, who believes that lawbreakers should not be lawmakers?
Minister reply
I apologise profusely again, particularly to all those who lost loved ones. I know how painful it has been. However, I repeat what I have said: I believe the job of the Government now is to get on with delivering on the priorities of the country at a difficult time.
West Worcestershire
Question
I know the Prime Minister has offered his wholehearted apology for the fixed penalty notice he received, which I welcome, but I encourage him not to take any lectures from the Labour party, bearing in mind the number of FPNs their previous Cabinet received—and yes, speed does kill—or, on this occasion, the FPNs that the Labour party and the SNP did not receive. Does he agree that everybody should be equal under the law?
Minister reply
Of course I agree with that, but let us be frank: the issue here today is what I did and what I got wrong, and I renew my apologies.
Angela Eagle
Lab
Wallasey
Question
The Prime Minister accepted the Health Secretary’s resignation for breaking covid guidance, not covid laws. The Prime Minister then accepted Allegra Stratton’s resignation for joking that the parties that were so frequent in Downing Street were a business event. He is now using her joke as his defence. Why is he holding himself to lower standards than the people whose resignations he accepted?
Minister reply
All I can say is that I apologise for what I got wrong. I have explained to the House why I spoke in the House as I did, and what I want to do is get on with the job of the Government in taking this country forward. That is what we are going to do.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Question
I dare say that every Member of this House can bring to mind their own John Robinson, perhaps several. Though you would not know it, I also think that most Members of this House know that justice and mercy and humility also go hand in hand—a fact known by many who watch these proceedings too. In asking us to forgive him on behalf of all those John Robinsons we represent, my right hon. Friend could not have made a more humble apology. But justice leading into mercy relies on a very old-fashioned concept, and that is repentance. What assurance can he give us that nothing of this kind will ever happen again?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for what he has said. I am heartily sorry, as I have said. I wish it had not happened and I wish that things had been totally different. What I have already done, as the House will know, is take steps to change the way we do things in No. 10. But that, in itself, is not enough. I accept full responsibility myself for my actions.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
The Prime Minister’s supposed apology to the nation is pathetic. Last year he told bereaved families in Downing Street that he had done everything possible to save their loved ones. Now he has been fined for breaking his own laws, illustrating just how soft the Tories have become on crime. Does he accept that his words ring hollow for those of us who have lost loved ones?
Minister reply
I repeat what I have said. I know that the hon. Gentleman has experienced bereavement during the pandemic and I am sorry for his loss. I repeat my apologies for what happened in No. 10.
Lichfield
Question
I was desperately sad to hear about my constituent John Robinson. My own best friend’s mother died in hospital and he was not able to see her. I recall, of course, that the Prime Minister’s mother also died during the covid crisis. We have all suffered from these heart-wrenching tragedies and none of us should forget it. I want to ask a quick question regarding Ukraine. The Prime Minister has announced that he is going to provide new, modern, mobile ground-to-air missile systems. How will we be able to train the Ukrainians during this war situation so that they can be put into use before it is too late?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend and repeat my condolences to his friend. On the Starstreak and other systems that we are using—that we are supplying to Ukraine—the Ukrainians are now being trained, as he can imagine, outside the immediate theatre of conflict.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Question
The Prime Minister genuinely does not seem to understand how he got his fine or what he did to break the law. He wrote, “What an utter nonsense.” If a man is so incompetent that he cannot understand his own rules, is he also a man who cannot understand the public’s challenges given the pace and scale of the soaring cost of living?
Minister reply
That is exactly why the Government are focused on those issues. That is what we need to get on with. It is about dealing with the aftershocks of covid, and the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on fuel prices and on inflation. That is where we are focused 100%.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Acknowledges the Prime Minister's contrition and humility while emphasising the need for compassion in the face of the Ukrainian crisis. Criticises the notion that the goal should be to remove Vladimir Putin from power.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanks Edward Leigh for his support, reiterates the importance of focusing on protecting the people of Ukraine rather than trying to change politics in Russia.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
Urges the Prime Minister to resign after his apologies, expressing frustration with ongoing discussions about his actions.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister directs her respectfully to what he has already stated.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Recognises the Prime Minister's apology and thanks him for his leadership on Ukraine. Encourages him to strengthen resolve among EU partners and NATO members.
Minister reply
Thanks Mark Pritchard for his support, acknowledges the possibility of renewed Russian aggression if Putin gains ground in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
Questions the Prime Minister's decision to pay a fixed penalty notice fine instead of contesting it legally, suggesting that fear of judicial scrutiny influenced this decision.
Minister reply
Boris Johnson explains he believed his actions conformed with rules but has since accepted they did not and sincerely apologises.
Robert Halfon
Con
Harlow
Question
Asks the Prime Minister to build on previous efforts by the Chancellor to address the cost of living crisis, suggesting measures such as removing green levies or introducing a downward escalator for energy bills.
Minister reply
Thanks Robert Halfon and acknowledges efforts made so far. Mentions record-breaking cut in fuel duty announced by the Chancellor.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
Reminds the Prime Minister that his behaviour undermines credibility globally, despite his good work on Ukraine.
Minister reply
Boris Johnson stresses the importance of his apology but disagrees with Barry Sheerman's assessment.
David Morris
Con
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Question
Emphasises trust in the Prime Minister, citing successful leadership through Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister reply
Thanks David Morris for his support but reiterates the importance of his apology.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stocksbridge Penistone
Question
Represents a constituent's concerns about missed funerals and loss during the pandemic, urging the Prime Minister to resign.
Minister reply
Boris Johnson apologises again for his actions and reiterates his previous statements.
Alun Cairns
Con
Vale of Clwyd
Question
Asks about the balance between offensive and defensive weapons as the conflict in Ukraine enters a new phase.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to review this line, emphasising that Western countries wish to avoid direct engagement with Russia.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Question
Critiques the Prime Minister's statement as seeking cover from domestic issues and questions whether he will face consequences for future breaches.
Minister reply
Thanks Jess Phillips, reiterates his apology but cannot comment on hypothetical situations.
Robin Millar
Con
Aberconwy
Question
Welcomes the Prime Minister's apology and asks about strengthening the UK.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to address issues like the Northern Irish protocol which undermines the Good Friday agreement.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Criticises the Prime Minister for debasing himself and his office, questioning why Welsh Conservatives are not defending him.
Minister reply
Suggests that Welsh Conservatives want better government and investment in NHS which Labour and Plaid Cymru have failed to deliver.
Natalie Elphicke
Con
Dover
Question
Thanks the Prime Minister for his apology and emphasises the need to focus on real challenges such as cost of living pressures.
Minister reply
Thanks Natalie Elphicke for her work helping Ukrainian child refugees in Poland.
Question
I share the Prime Minister’s thoughts on Ukraine. Over Easter, my constituents collected the morning-after pill to send to Ukraine for women who are being raped by Russian forces. But their disgust, and their admiration for Britain’s role, does not dampen their anger at the Prime Minister’s actions.
Minister reply
I heard what the hon. Member said. I do not agree with it, and nor do I agree with what he said about those on the Front Bench.
David Simmonds
Con
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Question
I was lucky in that on Saturday night I got to hold the hand of my father-in-law as he died of complications from covid, so I understand the anger that many people feel. But I have to ask my right hon. Friend what steps he has in mind to restore the moral authority of this Government.
Minister reply
I think the best thing the Government can do is to continue to deliver on the promises that we made to the British people, and that is what we are doing.
Question
The respected constitutional historian Lord Peter Hennessy reminds us that it is the Prime Minister who is the guardian of the ministerial code. What can we do to protect that code when the person who is entrusted with guarding it breaks the code and its overarching duty to comply with the law?
Minister reply
I do not agree with that characterisation. I have explained to the House why I spoke as I did, and I have apologised for the mistake that I made.
Question
My constituents in Sedgefield have expressed their satisfaction at how we are helping the people of Ukraine but also their frustration and anger at events in No. 10. They believe one is not linked to the other. The Prime Minister’s contrition over his error is welcome, and I thank him for it. While it was a clear error of judgment, I certainly do not believe it is a resigning matter.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend very much. I understand the frustration and anger of his constituents in Sedgefield. I renew my apologies to them.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Conservative Members have talked about repentance, the Prime Minister has offered us his apology, and we are being asked to move on, but the critical question for all of us is whether the Metropolitan police has moved on from this matter. Now that it has occurred to him what a party actually is, can he tell us whether he expects more fines to come?
Minister reply
I would love to give more commentary on this, but I have told the House very clearly that I cannot do that until the investigation is complete.
Question
The deputy head of the Ukrainian President’s office has said that the UK is the leader in defence support for Ukraine. With Russia’s offensive in the Donbas beginning the next stage of Putin’s appalling invasion, can my right hon. Friend assure me that the UK will remain the leader of international efforts to support Ukraine?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend very much. I know that the whole House—unity on this has been important—will want the UK Government to continue to take that role, and we certainly will.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Question
People across these islands had to watch through care home windows as their loved ones died. While that was happening, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor were partying in Downing Street. We know he has no respect for the public, but can he show us that he has some respect—for himself—and please resign now?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, and I understand the feelings of his constituents, but I must direct him to what I said earlier on.
Question
May I welcome the Prime Minister’s renewed focus on nuclear energy and its power to transform our energy independence? Does he also recognise that we need not just energy independence, but independence in our foundation industries such as chemicals and steel?
Minister reply
Yes, indeed. Can I congratulate my hon. Friend on his recent marriage?
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
The Prime Minister broke the laws that he made—laws to protect public health—and then repeatedly misled Parliament. Does the Prime Minister agree that comments made by his Northern Ireland Secretary this morning comparing his fine to a parking ticket are insulting, and when will he do what the majority of those in this country want and resign?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member. Look, I in no way minimise the importance of the fine I have received.
Question
We all have our faults and I am sure the Prime Minister would agree that he has his share of his own, but he also has many attributes. It took courage to go to Ukraine to stand up for freedom and people who have been subjected to barbarism. My right hon. Friend if he will review the cuts to our armed forces and ensure that the future of this country is invested in to meet this future threat?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a valiant campaigner for the armed forces in all their guises.
Question
A constituent wrote to me about his feelings about the Downing Street parties. Good Friday was the second anniversary of the death of his wife, a healthcare assistant at Bolton Hospital who died from covid. After she died, he had to plan her funeral alone and go back to an empty home with no support. It is clear that the Conservative party wants to move on, but since his wife died, my constituent tells me he has been unable to work, move on or grieve. I want to ask my constituent’s question to the Prime Minister directly: “I followed the law to the letter, so why does the government think that the laws don’t apply to them?”
Minister reply
I want to say again how sorry I am for the loss of the hon. Member’s constituent, and it is a measure of the seriousness with which I take this today.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
With the rise in national insurance and more tax than for 70 years, our constituents are crying out for help. Yet we will be facing this sort of debate day after day until the Prime Minister faces up to his responsibility and resigns.
Minister reply
May I respectfully say to the hon. Member that I think the real choice that this Government—this House of Commons—should follow is getting on with the job of serving the people we were elected to serve.
Question
At Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday 8 December, the Prime Minister said “there was no party and…no covid rules were broken.” Today, he refers to his lawbreaking as a ‘mistake’. Can the Prime Minister explain to my constituents, and indeed to children across these isles, what the difference is between a lie and a mistake?
Minister reply
I have apologised deeply for what I got wrong, and I have explained to the House why I spoke as I did on that occasion and others.
Question
Many references have been made to the views of the electorate. So I would ask the Prime Minister: would he be prepared to take a truth detection test after every prime ministerial statement?
Minister reply
I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is being serious, but I spoke in all good faith to the House, and I will continue to do so.
Question
What continued purpose does the Prime Minister see for the ministerial code given the frequency with which it is seemingly broken with impunity? How can the UK be a credible leader on liberal democratic values around the world, when the basic norms of accountability are thrown aside to save the skin of one man?
Minister reply
The answer to that question is staring the hon. Member in the face if he looks at what is happening around the world.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Question
The Prime Minister happens to believe that he did not knowingly break the law. Many of my constituents will have difficulty accepting that. However, if we suspend disbelief for a minute, the Prime Minister is telling the world that he did not know what the rules were so I ask him: does he think someone who does not understand the laws they are bringing in is fit to lead this country?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member very much. I have explained why I thought that the event was within the rules, and I apologise very sincerely.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Many Newcastle upon Tyne Central residents have charged the MP with holding the Prime Minister to account over his failure to follow his own rules during the pandemic, questioning how he can claim leadership when breaking these rules.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister thanked the constituents for their efforts during the pandemic and apologised for any mistakes made.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Jardine expressed pride in how people handled the crisis, but criticised the Prime Minister for failing to lead with the same commitment shown by citizens. She asked if it was time for a new leader.
Minister reply
The PM acknowledged feelings about his leadership and stated that the focus now is on addressing the cost of living crisis.
Vicky Foxcroft
Lab
Lewisham North
Question
Foxcroft shared the impact of pandemic rules on people's lives, specifically mentioning her BTEC tutor who passed away due to covid and could not have a proper funeral.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister expressed his sorrow for the loss mentioned.
Deidre Brock
Lib Dem
not specified
Question
Brock asked about returning donations from friends of Putin, but received no specific timeline or commitment.
Minister reply
The Prime Minister stated that all donations are registered as usual.
Chris Matheson
Lab
not specified
Question
Matheson criticised the PM for undermining international rules-based order by not following his own country's laws, affecting global perceptions.
Minister reply
The PM argued that holding leaders accountable strengthens the rules-based system.
Alan Brown
SNP
not specified
Question
Brown questioned if the Prime Minister was fit to lead during crises like Ukraine and cost of living, suggesting his lawbreaking undermines trust.
Minister reply
The PM stated that focusing on priorities is crucial.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Question
Jones directly asked the Prime Minister if he broke the law and whether he should resign due to distractions.
Minister reply
The PM accepted the police's findings and paid a fine.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Eshalomi expressed frustration over inconsistent statements from the Prime Minister, asking him to resign to end distractions.
Minister reply
The PM repeated that addressing key issues is his priority.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Abrahams questioned the Prime Minister’s impact on public trust in democracy and suggested putting ministerial code underpinned by Nolan principles.
Minister reply
The PM reiterated that accepting accountability is a sign of robust democracy.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
Western highlighted the public's dismay over the Prime Minister's statement, referencing previous advertisements demanding rule-following.
Minister reply
The PM apologised again for his actions.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Question
Timms argued that merely apologising without resigning does not hold the Prime Minister accountable and questioned the long-term impact of leaving a lawbreaker in charge.
Minister reply
The PM reaffirmed his earlier statement about good faith.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Wishart criticised the Prime Minister's brief apology as insufficient, urging him to resign for the sake of the country.
Minister reply
The PM repeated his earlier statement.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Huq invited the Prime Minister to a child's birthday party, using it as an analogy for urging him to resign.
Minister reply
The PM stated he would be busy focusing on delivering priorities.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Question
Smith quoted Lord Denning, asking if it was time for the Prime Minister to step down.
Minister reply
The PM agreed with Lord Denning and reiterated his apology.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
O'Hara relayed constituents' criticism of the Prime Minister as a 'self-serving, truth-twisting charlatan', asking if this was a widely held view.
Minister reply
The PM referred back to his earlier apology.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Question
The Prime Minister’s case for his defence seems to be based on it being impossible for him to resign because of the Ukraine war, but his entire parliamentary party is united around the Government position on Ukraine, and numerous examples exist where Conservative Members moved against leaders. Why must he specifically carry on as Prime Minister at this time?
Minister reply
I have apologised and continue to apologise, and I want to get on with the job.
Mark Hendrick
Lab Co-op
Preston
Question
When will the Prime Minister stop dissembling, distracting and deflecting and start telling the truth?
Minister reply
At all times, I have spoken in good faith to this House.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
Neil Ferguson resigned from SAGE and Catherine Calderwood quit as Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer for breaking covid rules. Why is it right for them to resign and not the Prime Minister?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady very much and repeat my apology.
Question
The Prime Minister has broken the law, misled the House over and over again, and misled the public. Does he believe in the ministerial code? Is it worth the paper it is written on?
Minister reply
Let me repeat my apologies for what I got wrong and what went wrong.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Was the Prime Minister misled by his team over Downing Street parties, leading to misleading statements in Parliament? What has happened to those people?
Minister reply
I take full responsibility for everything that happened in No.10. For the rest of his question, the hon. Gentleman must wait for the completion of the investigation.
Question
If the Downing Street photographer is a publicly funded post, should all photographs be available for public access?
Minister reply
I am not going to comment on the investigation until it is complete.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
The Prime Minister repeatedly told the House that all guidance was observed. That is not true. Will he correct the record?
Minister reply
I have received an FPN for the event in question, I apologise heartily.
Question
A constituent of mine worked in respiratory wards during the pandemic and saw people die alone. The time for apologies is over. When will the Prime Minister resign?
Minister reply
I want to thank her for what she has said, but I renew my apologies.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
The Prime Minister and Chancellor have been fined for breaking the rules they set. They are not fit to occupy their offices. When will the Prime Minister resign?
Minister reply
I cannot offer any further commentary on the investigation.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
The Prime Minister’s actions are an utter disgrace. What anti-ship missiles will his Government be sending to Ukraine? If he cannot answer, will he resign?
Minister reply
We are looking at mounting Brimstones on the back of technicals.
Question
If the Prime Minister inadvertently misled the House based on evidence given at the time, is that an offence resting on the proposition that he is an idiot?
Minister reply
I have spoken in good faith and continue to raise the case of his constituent.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Does the Prime Minister believe a PM who openly treats the public like they are mugs is a help or hindrance to Scottish independence?
Minister reply
The biggest help to the cause of the Union is the incompetence of the Scottish Nationalists.
Question
72% of people think the Prime Minister is part of the problem. Is he really going to tell constituents that a future under him is best?
Minister reply
The best thing we can do is get on with delivering for the people of this country.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Steven’s partner died in June 2020 after not being allowed to visit her due to no visitors rule. The Prime Minister should stand down. Is he the only person on the Conservative Benches capable of leading through a crisis?
Minister reply
I apologise sincerely for what we got wrong during the pandemic and want to get on with delivering.
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer
Shadow Comment
Keir Starmer criticised Boris Johnson's apology as insincere and pointed out the damage caused by his actions to public figures and institutions. He highlighted instances of Ministers being forced to leave public service and criticised the Chancellor's career being impacted. Starmer argued that this is not a fixable glitch but a characteristic flaw of the Prime Minister, who drags others down with him.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.