International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has admitted that people who have been referred for fines by police investigating events on Downing Street and Whitehall “have broken the rules”. Ms Trevelyan’s comments to Sky News came a day after Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, used similar language, as he also admitted that the law had been violated. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Raab defends civil servants beyond the party Labor, meanwhile, has stepped up its attack on the issue, with party leader Sir Keir Starmer telling broadcasters that it would “naturally” be made public by No. 10 if Prime Minister Carrie Johnson’s wife receives a specific penalty notice. Boris Johnson refused to admit on Wednesday when he was pressured by lawmakers that the “crime” took place on Downing Street – saying he did not want to give a “permanent comment” on the investigation. Number 10 has also repeatedly opposed the efforts of journalists trying to find out if the prime minister admits the law has been violated. Investigating the matter once again on Thursday, the prime minister’s official spokesman said that “the facts are not in dispute” but “given the prime minister’s position, it is right not to comment in the middle of an investigation, we comment at the end of it.”
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Earlier this week, the Meteorological Police announced that an initial installment of 20 fixed sanctions had been issued as a result of the party investigation in 2020 and 2021. Asked if this meant that the law had been violated in 20 cases, Ms Trevelyan told Sky News: a fine was imposed accordingly “. Asked why the prime minister did not admit so much, she said: “She wants to wait until the whole police review process is completed. “This is the position he has taken and I respect it.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Johnson should not receive a lockout fine Meanwhile, later Thursday, Health Minister Sajid Javid rejected a proposal that there was “confusion” in the government over the issue. “I mean, if you ask me in general about predetermined sanctions, when they are issued, of course it means that the police have come to a conclusion, and that is purely police – not ministerial,” he said. . The police do not named those who were fined, but Downing Street said he would reveal if a penalty was imposed on the Prime Minister or Cabinet Cabinet Simon Keses. Labor shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves told Sky News: “It is dazzlingly obvious to everyone that the law has been broken. “It matters because it is a matter of integrity, to tell the truth.” The Liberal Democrats said Downing Street’s position was “absurd.” The prime minister also faced allegations that he had violated the ministerial code after initially telling parliament that no party rules had been violated. Mr Johnson told the Liaison Committee on Wednesday: “I think it’s very important that you are clear with the House of Commons – and I have done my best to be as clear as I can about the facts.” .
