Boris Johnson defended for 3 hours

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has argued that during his tenure in the Prime Minister’s Office, he did not deliberately mislead the House of Commons about throwing parties that violate his government’s Covid rules.

According to the news reported by the Turkish BBC, Johnson defended in the 3-hour question and answer marathon at the Joint Commission on Privileges. Placing his hand on the Bible, Johnson said: “I wholeheartedly say that I did not lie to parliament,” admitting that social distancing rules were not “perfectly” implemented in the Prime Minister’s Office during Covid.

The report to be published by the Commission will affect Johnson’s political future. The process went down in British political history as Partygate: “party scandal.”

‘WORK EVENT, NOT PARTY’

In the live televised session, Johnson went on to argue that the meetings were essential business events, not parties. In the photograph of one of the events in question, which was reflected in the British press, Johnson was seen toasting. The former prime minister argued that this was a farewell event and had a place in British culture.

He claimed to have complied with the Covid restrictions, as he himself understood.

Harriet Harman, leader of the main opposition Labor Party on the committee, said Johnson’s accusations were unfounded and made little sense.

It has not yet announced the final result of the investigation carried out by the Joint Commission. However, the Commission noted in its interim report that Johnson may have misled Parliament many times.

CAN BE EXPORTED FROM PARLIAMENT

If the Commission finds that Johnson misled Parliament, then it will consider whether he did so recklessly or knowingly and willfully, and recommend what punishment should be applied.

For the sanction to be recommended by the Commission, it must also be approved by the members of the House of Commons. Penalties in such cases range from an apology to expulsion from Parliament.

If the suspension of a member of Parliament exceeds 10 days, there is a possibility that by-elections will be held in the constituency. In this vote, the deputies will cast their vote individually, not by group decision of their party.

Johnson was fined for breaching the Covid rules at an event held at the Prime Minister’s Residence on June 19, 2020, on the occasion of his birthday. Johnson made history as the first Prime Minister in British history to break the law.

The current Prime Minister, Rish Sunak, was also sentenced for the same incident.