Boris Johnson is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday as he investigates whether he misled parliament over breaking the blocking of Downing Street parties.
The prime minister will try to advance trade talks between Britain and India when he meets with Mr Modi in New Delhi, stressing the importance of the two nations’ partnership for global peace and security.
He is also expected to discuss new clean and renewable energy co-operation in hopes of supporting India’s transition from oil imports.
This comes after it was confirmed that the prime minister will face a parliamentary inquiry into whether he misled MPs when he denied that the rules for blocking Downing Street and Whitehall had been violated.
Political center: the prime minister will face a new investigation
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4:06 PM Boris Johnson to face parliamentary inquiry into misleading lawmakers over party door
The commission will investigate whether the prime minister lied to parliament
MEPs backed a Labor-led proposal calling on the Privileges Committee to investigate Mr Johnson’s behavior.
The proposal was approved without a vote.
Earlier, Conservative lawmakers were ordered to support the government’s attempt to postpone the vote until police and civil servant Sue Gray’s investigations are completed.
In a late turn, shortly before the debate began amid widespread reports that many Tory MPs could rebel against the government, Mayor Mark Spencer said Conservative MPs could vote as they wish on Labor’s proposal.
And in a blow to Mr Johnson, former Minister Steve Baker, an influential Conservative MP, said earlier that the prime minister “must have left a long time ago”.
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1:06 Steve Baker has called on Boris Johnson to resign
Conservative MPs are urging Johnson to leave
Meanwhile, fellow Conservative MP and chairman of the Committee on Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs William Ragg confirmed that he had submitted a letter of no confidence to Mr Johnson’s leadership.
“I cannot accept the continuing leadership of the Prime Minister of our country and the Conservative Party,” he told lawmakers in a scathing speech at the House of Commons.
Speaking to Sky News political editor Beth Rigby in India, the prime minister insisted he had “absolutely nothing to hide, frankly” when trying to explain his decision to withdraw the government’s amendment to Labor’s proposal.
“People are saying that we seem to be trying to stop things. I didn’t want that. I didn’t want people to be able to say that, “Mr Johnson said.
Meanwhile, responding to Mr Baker’s call to leave, the prime minister added: “I understand people’s feelings. I don’t think that’s the right thing to do.”
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1:08 Boris Johnson says he has nothing to hide from the party.
The investigation will not begin in full until the Sofia police investigation into 12 events is completed, and the Privileges Committee will determine whether the prime minister is in disrespect to parliament for misleading lawmakers with his repeated denials of parties destroying the Downing Street blockade.
On Thursday, the Met confirmed that they would not release more partygate updates before the local elections in May.
Scotland Yard told Sky News that the investigation will continue and officials will continue to recommend fines – but the force will not publish media reports for referral until after the May 5 election.
But number 10 has promised to confirm whether the prime minister or cabinet secretary will receive any fines before next month’s election.
So far, more than 50 fines have been issued in connection with the Westminster blockade parties.
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Last week, the Prime Minister, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Mr Johnson’s wife Carrie Johnson received notifications of fixed penalties for attending an event marking the 56th birthday of the prime minister.
The prime minister is believed to have been at more than 12 events investigated by Scotland Yard.
The prime minister faced persistent calls to resign through the partygate and apologized to lawmakers this week in a performance of high remorse.
Earlier Thursday, Mr Sunak said he was “extremely and sincerely sorry” for the disappointment he caused by attending the rally in violation of the rules.
Speaking in Washington ahead of the IMF meeting, Mr Sunak apologized for the “injury and anger” he caused because of his fine for the party’s door, and said he had “always acted in good faith” when discussing the issue in parliament.
The prime minister missed a debate in the House of Commons on his behavior on Thursday when he began his two-day official visit to India.
On Friday, Mr Johnson will discuss next-generation defense and security cooperation with Mr Modi on land, sea, air, space and cybernetics – including support for new fighter jets designed and built by India.
Read more: What is Met Police investigating about partygate?
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6:57 Boris Johnson is in India, where he is expected to offer to help reduce India’s dependence on Russian oil and defense equipment
The United Kingdom will issue an open common export license to India – cutting red tape and cutting delivery times for defense contracts.
A virtual hydrogen science and innovation center will also be launched to accelerate green hydrogen.
Ahead of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister, Mr Johnson said: “The world is facing growing threats from autocratic countries seeking to undermine democracy, stifle free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.
“The UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas. Our cooperation on issues that are important to both of us, from climate change to energy security and defense, is vital as we look to the future.
“I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples.”
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