Report slams U.K. government lockdown gatherings

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson battled political opponents and members of his own party in the House of Commons on Monday. A report compiled by senior civil servant Sue Gray shared interim findings about gatherings held at the prime minister’s official residence in 2020 and 2021 when the country was in strict lockdown due to COVID-19. The report said four gatherings represented “failures of leadership and judgment.” Information on an additional 12 parties was withheld due to an ongoing police investigation. The report also revealed excessive alcohol consumption at “bring your own booze” parties and employees who were afraid to speak out about workplace problems.

How did it go in Parliament? The prime minister apologized for “misjudgments” and then praised his administration’s accomplishments, including Brexit and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Many members of Parliament were not impressed. The leader of the Scottish National Party had to be removed from the chamber for calling Johnson a liar. One member tearfully recalled his grandmother’s socially distanced funeral and said the prime minister’s actions made them look like fools. Johnson met with Conservatives on Monday afternoon to try to bolster support and avoid a vote of no confidence.

Dig deeper: From the archives, read Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report on European lockdown measures.