Police will penalise British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Finance Minister Rishi Sunak for violating COVID-19 lockdown guidelines, the administration announced on Tuesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, police said they would issue at least another 30 fines to persons who attended meetings in Johnson’s offices and residence in violation of rigorous coronavirus lockdown guidelines, bringing the total to more than 50.
Also read: United Kingdom to probe claims of Russian ‘chemical attack’ on Mariupol
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have today received notification that the Metropolitan police intend to issue them with fixed penalty notices,” a government statement said.
“We have no further details, but we will update you again when we do.”
No. 10 Downing Street has verified that the couple had received notice from the Metropolitan Police that they will be issued with fixed penalty notices.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has demanded that the two parliamentarians resign.
The police are looking into alleged COVID law-breaking at 12 Whitehall and Downing Street events.
Also read: ‘Impose tougher rules’: Zelensky warns Russia could use chemical weapons
The police said they would not name everyone who received fines, but the government said it would reveal if Johnson and Sunak were among them.
A representative for No. 10 said they had not been told of the nature of the fine.
Keir, on the other hand, claimed it demonstrated the Conservatives were “completely unfit to govern,” adding, “Britain deserves better.”
“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public. They must both resign.”
Also read: Explained: Why does the UK want adult citizens to measure their waists?
Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has asked for Parliament to be recalled from its Easter holiday in order to stage a no-confidence vote on the prime minister.
He added, “This is a government in crisis neglecting a country in crisis.”