Boris Johnson said he intends to run in the next general election as the leader of the Conservative Party, as he faces constant pressure on his leadership due to the ongoing dispute at the party’s door.
Speaking to reporters on the plane as he embarks on a two-day trip to India, the prime minister said he had no plans to resign over a police investigation into blockades in Downing Street and Whitehall. vote of confidence.
This comes when the government calls for a parliamentary inquiry into whether Mr Johnson tricked parliament into a partygate in order to postpone it until the police investigation is over and Sue Gray’s report is published.
MEPs were due to take part in a critical vote Thursday on whether they believe the Privileges Committee should be asked to consider whether the prime minister’s behavior is disrespectful to parliament, following a motion by leading figures from seven opposition parties, including Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer. .
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
0:34 Angela Raynor tells Kay Burley that the fine for Boris Johnson is a “red line” and that “we need a prime minister whom people trust”
The government is calling for a delay in a possible investigation into the prime minister’s behavior
But on Wednesday night, the government amended the Labor initiative, stating that the vote on the investigation itself should not take place until the police investigation is completed and Sue Gray’s report is published.
This will allow MPs “to have all the facts” when making a decision, it said.
It is assumed that all Tory MPs will be forced to support the amendment, which could delay the vote on Mr Johnson’s behavior for months.
There will probably be a heated debate on the issue tomorrow in the Municipality, as the government’s amendment could mean that a vote will be held on Thursday to say that the “real” vote on the Prime Minister’s behavior should take place later – after both the Met Police investigation and Sue Gray’s report, they were finalized.
Meanwhile, away from Westminster and on his way to India, the prime minister was asked by reporters if there were any circumstances in which he would resign.
“I don’t remember much at the moment, but if you want to draw some, I’m sure you could entertain the audience with some imaginary circumstances, I don’t suggest going into them. I can’t think of them properly now, “he said.
Asked whether he could vote for a vote of confidence just to put an end to the issue, the prime minister replied: “The best thing we need to do for the people, for parliament, is to continue and focus on the things we were for. chosen to do. “
Image: Boris Johnson will begin a two-day visit to India today
The Prime Minister of India while MPs discuss whether he deceived parliament
Pressed even more, he continued: “I think politics has taught me one thing, namely that it is better to talk and focus on the things that matter and the things that make a real difference to the electorate, not on the politicians themselves. “
Mr Johnson also suggested that Partygate was not at the forefront of voters’ minds, telling reporters: “It is better to talk about things other than politicians themselves.”
Explained that he could miss a big day in Westminster tomorrow while in India, the prime minister added: “I am focused on jobs, growth and a fantastic partnership with India.”
The prime minister – along with his wife Carrie Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak – has already received one notice of fixed penalties for attending his birthday party in the cabinet in June 2020, but is believed to have attended other gatherings. investigated by Scotland Yard.
In a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Johnson repeatedly apologized to lawmakers, but insisted he did not believe the gathering to mark his 56th birthday violated his own government’s COVID regulations, which were in force at the time.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
1:54 The Prime Minister apologizes to the House of Commons
PM received a birthday fine
Before the government amended its proposal, opposition leaders, including Sir Keir, urged Conservative lawmakers not to block an investigation into Mr Johnson’s behavior.
The opposition’s initial proposal states that the prime minister has misled the House at least four times:
• On 1 December 2021, Mr Johnson told MEPs that “all guidelines have been followed in number 10”.
• On December 8, 2021, the Prime Minister told the Commons: “I have been assured many times since these allegations that there is no party and that COVID rules have not been violated.”
• Also on December 8, 2021, he said: “I feel sick and angry about this, but I repeat what I told him: I was repeatedly assured that the rules were not broken.”
• At the end of the same date: “The instructions were followed and the rules were followed all the time”
Image: The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when the government of Prime Minister Modi refuses to criticize Russia
Ministers who deliberately deceive the House are expected to leave
The Privileges Committee – which would conduct any possible investigation – has the power to investigate whether Mr Johnson has misled Parliament, which includes the possibility of forcing reports, documents and photographs relating to the partygate.
It is unclear what sanctions the prime minister could face if the commission finds that he has misled the House, but the ministerial code explicitly states that ministers who deliberately mislead the House are expected to leave the House.
The Prime Minister himself will not take part in a possible municipal vote tomorrow on his behavior, as he will be in India for talks with Prime Minister Modi on co-operation in the economy, security and defense.
The prime minister’s visit comes at a time when Prime Minister Modi’s government has refused to criticize Russia, an ally of India since the Cold War.
India relies heavily on Moscow for arms imports and abstained in a series of UN votes on the invasion.
Mr Johnson said he would express concerns that India was becoming increasingly dependent on Moscow’s fuel.
“I will argue that everyone should move away from Putin’s dependence on hydrocarbons,” Mr Johnson said.
He also vowed to raise human rights concerns with Mr Modi, who is accused of undermining democracy in India and inciting anti-Muslim sentiment.
Add Comment