Statement regarding Downing Street Events in 2020

This is an update for constituents about events in Downing Street in 2020.

It is very important to have a range of views from constituents and I am listening carefully to what people are saying to me.

As you will know, the Prime Minister has apologised and I am glad he has.  I recognise people’s anger, especially considering everyone was making big sacrifices throughout the pandemic.

My thoughts in particular are with constituents who have lost loved ones to Covid-19.

I think it is vital that those who set the rules, follow the rules.

The Prime Minister has said the following:

“I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months. I know the anguish they have been through, unable to mourn their relatives, unable to live their lives as they want or to do things they love. I know the rage they feel with me and with the Government I lead when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules. And though I cannot anticipate the conclusions of the current inquiry, I have learned enough to know that there were things we simply did not get right and I must take responsibility.

“No 10 is a big department with the garden as an extension of the office which has been in constant use because of the role of fresh air in stopping the virus When I went into that garden just after six on the 20th of May 2020 to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working, I believed implicitly that this was a work event. But Mr Speaker with hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside, I should have found some other way to thank them. I should have recognised that even if it could be said technically to fall within the guidance, there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way, people who suffered terribly, people who were forbidden for meeting loved ones at all inside or outside, and to them and to this House I offer my heartfelt apologies.

“All I ask is that Sue Gray be allowed to complete her inquiry into that day and several others so that the full facts can be established. I will of course come back to this house and make a statement.” (House of Commons, Weds 12th January 2022)

I shall certainly be looking extremely closely at the inquiry.  I think it is right for the Prime Minister to take full responsibility for whatever it brings, being accountable to the House of Commons and to everyone across the country.

The Prime Minister continues to have my support because I expect him to continue to work hard to deliver on the mandate that constituents in Norwich North and across the UK gave him in 2019, and on all that has to be done to lead the country out of these pandemic years and into a prosperous future.

I have endeavoured to keep constituents updated by putting information and my stance here, including before Christmas: https://www.chloesmith.org.uk/local/news/statement-regarding-stories-of-parties-in-downing-street

Best wishes,

Chloe Smith MP