British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologized at the House of Commons after the Gray report came out today. He has been embattled due to the Downing Street parties during the COVID lockdown. While several Tory MPs also called for his resignation, many were waiting for the Gray report. 

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The report by a senior government official, Sue Gray, has compiled information on the Downing Street parties, including Boris Johnson’s birthday party. 

While addressing the statements in Gray’s report, Johnson thanked her and took cognizance of the nation’s sacrifices during COVID, thereby acknowledging the validity of their anger towards him for flouting the rules. 

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However, he says it isn’t enough to say sorry. One must learn, and while the Metropolitan Police conduct their investigation, the details are being left out of Gray’s report for now. Johnson, nonetheless, has accepted the findings in Gray’s report completely. 

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Gray has outlined some immediate changes that need to be implemented before the police investigation is concluded. For starters, they have to sort out fragmented and complicated leadership structures, which don’t meet the demands of No 10. It is time to review special advisor codes and civil service, to take into account Sue Gray’s recommendations and to implement them. Johnson promises more steps in the coming days to improve the functioning of No 10 and improve the relationship between No 10 and the Parliament. 

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Johnson says “I get it and I’ll fix it”. He admits that the issue is whether the government can be trusted, and Johnson answers in a resounding yes. 

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He takes the house through the achievements of the government, including Brexit, fighting COVID, and crime. Johnson has also highlighted UK is having the fastest economic growth among the G7. UK is coming out of COVID so fast due to doubling the booster rollout. Johnson promises to double up on the job across all aspects for the improvement of the country.