HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has issued a statement in the shadow of investigations of alleged covid breaches in Downing Street.

Robert Halfon said: “People in Harlow and across the country have selflessly abided by the Government’s rules since the onset of the pandemic. Many have struggled and suffered over the past eighteen months living under the restrictions imposed on them to deal with COVID-19 and its various mutations.

“Due to my conditions of spastic diplegia in my legs (a version of cerebral palsy), osteoarthritis and significant asthma, I myself stayed at home, working from there, for over a year as a shielded person. I took all due care not to break the regulations in order to protect everyone’s health.

“Shockingly, it has now emerged that a number of Christmas parties may have been held at 10 Downing Street last year and one at the Department of Education which was directly responsible for closing schools, to the detriment of millions of pupils. This party, it seems, was attended by the then-Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, and his top civil servant.

“Yesterday afternoon the Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case will launch an investigation to establish all the facts as to whether any parties did indeed take place, and whether any rules were broken. So far, whilst not denying that there were gatherings, the Government has consistently stated that no rules were broken.

“I fully understand the anger and frustration that reports of partying in Number 10 and Whitehall have provoked and particularly the fury caused by the disgusting video which has emerged. I welcome the fact that the Press Secretary who “starred” in it, Allegra Stratton, has now resigned.

“However, I would ask that we all – difficult though it may be – do wait until the investigation has concluded before reaching any final judgements.

“In saying this, I would strongly urge the Prime Minister to allow Simon Case to look into all allegations of parties held over the lockdown periods of November, and December 2020.

“The full investigation must be conducted as a matter of the utmost urgency. If it is found that rules were broken, then the organisers, attendees and those who knew of or condoned such parties should be held fully accountable.

“I will monitor the progress of the investigation closely. Once the results are published, I will respond accordingly depending on the findings.
“In the meantime, I wish you, your family and friends well over the Christmas period and the New Year.”

ENDS