Former British Prime Minister Johnson has stressed that he has not given a false answer to a parliamentary committee investigating the issue of attending a party at the prime minister's office amid continued strict coronavirus restrictions. The media has reported that if it is determined that he was intentionally lying, Mr Johnson could be punished.
During his time as prime minister in 2020-21, Johnson attended a party at the prime minister's office amid continued strict COVID restrictions, which was a factor in forcing him to resign.
Former Prime Minister Johnson said in his December 2021 parliamentary reply that he was not aware of any violation of the rules, saying that "it is certain that the rules were always followed" regarding participation in parties, but a parliamentary committee is investigating whether this is true.
Summoned to the committee on May 22, Mr. Johnson said, "I am responsible and I want to apologize again," but stressed that "I can put my hand on my chest and say that I am not lying to Congress."
When asked if social distancing was not observed, Mr. Johnson said, "We tried to do as much as we could, but given the small size of the Prime Minister's Office, it was impossible to keep a distance at all times."
The committee is expected to reach a conclusion after April, but media reports that disciplinary action could be imposed over the MP's activities if it is determined that Mr Johnson intentionally gave a false answer.