i’m alongside the investigation by the cabinet office?— cabinet office?inet office? i'm not criticising them for wanting to investigate, | cabinet office? i'm not criticising i them for wanting to investigate, but they cannot use the investigation as a pretext for saying that the report, as prepared by sue gray could be published. that is beyond their powers and if this was an issue of something being sub judice, then the police would be quite right to say you cannot do that, it might be contempt of court, similarly if it was subjudice, be contempt of court, similarly if it was sub judice, we would not be able to discuss it in the house of commons, but it is not and this is an unreasonable requirement by the metropolitan police and i hope that sue gray publishes the report, in full, in its originalform. fir it full, in its originalform. or it could have — full, in its originalform. or it could have been _ full, in its originalform. or it could have been avoided - full, in its original form. or it could have been avoided entirely by the metropolitan police

_ course are matters for the cabinet office and — course are matters for the cabinet office andhey see fit. when europe stands on the brink of war and _ they see fit. when europe stands on the brink of war and there _ they see fit. when europe stands on the brink of war and there is - they see fit. when europe stands on the brink of war and there is a - they see fit. when europe stands on the brink of war and there is a cost i the brink of war and there is a cost of living crisis, can we please have a sense of proportion over the prime minister being given a piece of cake in his own office by his own staff? i completely agree. on burns day it is appropriate to start off with a line from him one from sir walter scott, what a tangled web we weave. now the police are finally involved, how much more degradation and indignity of the prime minister be prepared to endure? how much more of this embarrassing circus are his colleagues prepared to tolerate before they remove this man from office? this wound will not heal miraculously by itself and i'm sure we all know there is an awful lot

cabinet office is run, so that we can get on— cabinet office is run, so that we can get on with _ cabinete is run, so that we can get on with the job - cabinet office is run, so that we can get on with the job that - cabinet office is run, so that we can get on with the job that i . cabinet office is run, so that we i can get on with the job that i was elected _ can get on with the job that i was elected to— can get on with the job that i was elected to do. _ can get on with the job that i was elected to do, mr— can get on with the job that i was elected to do, mr speaker, - can get on with the job that i was elected to do, mr speaker, and l can get on with the job that i wasi elected to do, mr speaker, and at the job— elected to do, mr speaker, and at the job that — elected to do, mr speaker, and at the job that this _ elected to do, mr speaker, and at the job that this government - elected to do, mr speaker, and at the job that this government wasl the job that this government was elected _ the job that this government was elected to— the job that this government was elected to do _ the

the cabinet office in place in the cabinet office in december 2020 for the then head of the government's covid task force. kate josephs has the government's covid task force. katejosephs has tonight the government's covid task force. kate josephs has tonight apologised. novak djokovic faces being detained and deported after his australian visa is cancelled again. a court hearing takes place in a few hours. and's welcome, challenging stereotypes after her solo mission across antarctica. and at 7:30 p:m., i will bejoined by across antarctica. and at 7:30 p:m., i will be joined by foreign correspondents based in london giving an outsiders view of events in the uk. that is all in dateline in the uk. that is all in dateline in half an hour's time. hello and if you have justjoined us, welcome to bbc news. downing street has apologised to buckingham palace, after it emerged two parties were held at number 10 the night before the duke of edinburgh's funeral last april. a spokesman for borisjohnson said it was deeply regrettable the events took place at a time of national mourning. covid rules ha

eight of the events were in downing street and four in the neighbouring cabinet office.er's own flat. the last two events were leaving dos held on the same day in april last year. we had a bundle of material provided to us just friday, which is well over 500 pieces of paper, about a ream and a half, and we received over 300 photographs, so we've just received that and my officers are prioritising this week to consider what's been provided in that bundle of material, what further investigations that they need to do and, of course, who they're going to be contacting. and who might get fined? well, that's not yet clear. detectives will be writing to dozens of staff in downing street and the cabinet office, asking for their accounts of the gatherings and whether they had a reasonable excuse for their actions. although the maximum penalty for these alleged offences is only a small fine, detectives here say they will be fast—tracking the investigation and it should be over in a matter of weeks, rather than months. but how damaged are the metropolitan police after being caught

were in downing street and fourin events were in downing street and four in the neighbouring cabinet officenister's fact. we had a bundle of material provided to us _ minister's fact. we had a bundle of material provided to us ready - minister's fact. we had a bundle of| material provided to us ready which is well over 500 pieces of paper and be received over 300 photographs so we have received that and my offices are prioritising this week to consider what's been provided in the bundle of material and what further investigations they need to do and of course who they are going to be contacted. �* ., contacted. and who might get fined? is not et contacted. and who might get fined? is not yet clear. _ contacted. and who might get fined? is not yet clear. detectives _ contacted. and who might get fined? is not yet clear. detectives will - contacted. and who might get fined? is not yet clear. detectives will be i is not yet clear. detectives will be brightening to dozens of staffing downing street in the cabinet office brightening for their accounts of the gatherings and had a reasonable excus

further revelations this evening — another leaving event took place in the cabinet office in december020, for the then head of the government's covid task force. kate josephs has tonight apologised. a court in australia orders novak djokovic to be detained from tomorrow morning after the government cancelled his visa for a second time. remembering ashling murphy — vigils are being held across ireland for the 23—year—old murdered while outjogging. the welsh government is to ease coronavirus restrictions over next two weeks, after a drop in omicron cases. phone rings and coming up, there's another scream in your cinemas. find out what mark kermode thinks about the fifth in the movie franchise, and the week's other big releases, in the film review at 5.45pm. good evening. welcome to the bbc news at 5pm. i am jane hill. downing street has apologised to buckingham palace after revelations that two parties were held at number 10 the night before the duke of edinburgh's funeral. a spokesman for borisjohnson said it was deeply regrettable that the events took place at a time of national mourn

some caution from the cabinet office minister stephen i cabinet office minister stephen barclay. with the increased strain it is likely to see from omicron cases. there will be a review on wednesday of the restrictions in place at the moment. you heard from stephen barclay, at the moment it feels unlikely the ministers will bring in more rules in england. thtnd unlikely the ministers will bring in more rules in england.— more rules in england. and this warnin: more rules in england. and this warning that — more rules in england. and this warning that the _ more rules in england. and this warning that the government i more rules in england. and this i warning that the government has more rules in england. and this - warning that the government has said about the contingency planning for ten, 20, 25% absences in the public sector and firms to have contingency plans in place. what more have they said about that? you plans in place. what more have they said about that?— said about that? you saw in the ttackae said about that? you saw in the package a _ said about that? you saw in the

thing is enquiry by the cabinet office. ., ., , ., office.here is obviously some loads and also sue gray. what you think. i think it is important that the terms of reference must be very clearly defined, very, very important. i think nus ghani should be interviewed and find the name of the people who spoke to her and intermediated her. —— intimidated her. if you read what she said in the sunday times was horrified by how she has been treated so the point is that everybody he spoke to her must be interviewed, the prime minister was interviewed. we should find out from the prime minister is that —— why he sacked her in 2020. we must have a look at the port. we must have the full report and that must have the full report and that must be visible. having carried out to the report, if anyone has behaved badly that personal those persons must be held to account and we must ensure that nothing like this occurs again. i am a muslim and i am proud to bea again. i am a muslim and i am proud to be a member of the conservative party but any form of discr

the cabinet office and the met. ice and the met.— the collusion between the cabinet office and the met. what has changed since tuesday? _ office and the met. what has changed since tuesday? they _ office and the met. what has changed since tuesday? they need _ office and the met. what has changed since tuesday? they need to - office and the met. what has changed since tuesday? they need to explain i since tuesday? they need to explain and they need to explain why they waited until tuesday to announce they were conducting an investigation into allegations around 10 downing street because this has been known for some time. this does look like it has been a stitch up and the only person who benefits is borisjohnson. stitch up and the only person who benefits is boris johnson.- benefits is boris johnson. finally, are ou benefits is boris johnson. finally, are you clear— benefits is boris johnson. finally, are you clear it's _ benefits is boris johnson. finally, are you clear it's not _ benefits is boris johnson. finally,

the met has been heavily criticised for not investigating earlier but has waited for the cabinet officed has now decided it should actively investigate some of the alleged parties. but what about the officers who work in downing street every day? didn't they notice the events when they were happening? it sounds like there was a culture of lawbreaking parties, rather than a single one—off event. we have heard reports of suitcases of drink clanking through security. surely some officers were concerned about what they were seeing at the time? cressida dick would not comment on that today except to say that if it was relevant it would be included in the investigation. even two months into the first lockdown, police had still been actively patrolling public spaces, making sure nobody was mixing with people outside their household, so there remains a worry about double standards. there is no question, there is a huge level of public concern about this and no matter what the met had said it looks like one law for them and another for another. anyone found to have attended an illegal gathering

katejoseph, cabinet office in december 2020. kate joseph, the cabinet office in december 2020.hief executive of sheffield city council, said the event was for people who were already at work that day and is truly sorry for taking part. we have had a lot of regret this week from cabinet ministers, too. politically, borisjohnson remains in treacherous territory. 0ne conservative mp told me his colleagues were facing a wall of fury from their voters at their constituencies. the latest revelations were toxic and potentially fatal. however, i think the majority of tory mps are remaining quietly loyal at the moment waiting for the report to come out. borisjohnson hopes it could yet dig him out of trouble. 0k, thank you very much. the australian government has agreed to delay the deportation of novak djokovic after cancelling his visa for a second time in the dispute over covid rules. the world number one tennis player, who hasn't been vaccinated, is likely to be detained tomorrow. australia's immigration minister says the latest visa cancellation was made on the grounds of "health an

she is the second permanent secretary at the cabinet office and the department for levelling up. of propriety and ethics. the government has committed to publishing the findings of the investigation and providing these to parliament in the normal way. the terms of reference set out that where there are credible allegations relating to other gatherings, it is open for those to be investigated. and i can confirm to the house, mr speaker, that this includes the allegations relating to the 15th and 20th may 2020. it will establish the facts, and if wrongdoing is established, there will be requisite disciplinary action taken. as with all internal investigations, if evidence emerges of what was potentially a criminal offence, the matter would be referred to the metropolitan police and the cabinet office's work may be paused. matters relating to the adherence of the law are, as ever, matters for the metropolitan police to investigate, and the cabinet office will liaise with them as appropriate. as i am sure members of this house will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to com

eight of the events were in downing street and four in the neighbouring cabinet office.er's own flat. the last two events were leaving dos held on the same day in april last year. we had a bundle of material provided to us just friday, which is well over 500 pieces of paper, about a ream and a half, and we received over 300 photographs, so we've just received that and my officers are prioritising this week to consider what's been provided in that bundle of material, what further investigations that they need to do and, of course, who they're going to be contacting. and who might get fined? well, that's not yet clear. detectives will be writing to dozens of staff in downing street and the cabinet office, asking for their accounts of the gatherings and whether they had a reasonable excuse for their actions. although the maximum penalty for these alleged offences is only a small fine, detectives here say they will be fast—tracking the investigation and it should be over in a matter of weeks, rather than months. but how damaged are the metropolitan police after being caught

as a result of the information - as a result of the information provided by the cabinet office inquiry assessment of my own officers, i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years in relation to potential breaches of covid—i9 regulations. the covid-19 regulations. the commissioner _ covid-19 regulations. the commissioner did - covid-19 regulations. the commissioner did not - covid—19 regulations. the commissioner did not specify which events were under investigation but promised updates at significant points. as news broke, one minister came to borisjohnson�*s defence. the came to boris johnson's defence. the leadershi came to borisjohnson's defence. tue: leadership of came to borisjohnson's defence. tte: leadership of boris johnson this leadership of borisjohnson this country has had has been so brilliant, it has gotten through this incredibly difficult period and he got all the big decisions right. an event on the prime minister's birthday injune 2020 is the latest to come to light. downing str

i wanted to do that to the cabinet office.— the cabinet office.rse she also spoke... is that takin? it of course she also spoke... is that taking it seriously? _ of course she also spoke... is that taking it seriously? i _ of course she also spoke... is that taking it seriously? i think - of course she also spoke... is that taking it seriously? i think the - taking it seriously? i think the prime minister _ taking it seriously? i think the prime minister has _ taking it seriously? i think the prime minister has always - taking it seriously? i think the i prime minister has always taken taking it seriously? i think the - prime minister has always taken this seriously and will continue to do so. it is also important to note that nus went before it singh, who conducted the islamophobia inquiry to explain exactly what happened. we also know, and we have to be really careful here because one of the great values of this country is fairness, that the chief whip mark spencer has come out and named himself and said that these allegations are untrue and def

the metropolitan police has also issued a statement saying it has received material from the cabinet officey said the mp5 has today received the material it requested from the cabinet office to support its investigation. with a background to the story, here's a report from our political correspondent, iain watson. which rules could have been broken behind the famous black door during lockdown? a report by the senior civil servant sue gray was expected to provide some answers this week. that was until cressida dick, the country's top police officer, said this. the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall. the metropolitan police had said then it had no objections to sue gray's report being published, but today, the police seemed to object to some potentially crucial parts of its content being made public, saying in a statement... in other words, they don't want to see too much made public about the more serious allegations until they have carried out their own work. it's very important that nothing is done that hampers an investigation, but

borisjohnson has ordered a cabinet office inquiry into claims made by a muslim mp who says her religion for her sacking as a minister in 2020. the mp, nusrat ghani, has welcomed the inquiry, saying all she wanted was for the matter to be taken seriously. the government's chief whip, mark spencer, who has stated that the allegations refer to him, says the claims are completely false. it comes at the beginning of what is likely to be a difficult week for the prime minister, with the expected publication of a report into parties on government premises that took place when coronavirus restrictions were in place. and this afternoon there was further turmoil for the government — with the public resignation in the house of lords of one of its treasury ministers. from westminster, here's ione wells. as one inquiry into parties here is about to draw to a close, another one is about to open. this time into claims made by the tory mp nusrat ghani, who's said this weekend that she had been told by a party whip that her muslimness was a reason she was sacked as a transport minister. claims strongly

there is going to be this inquiry, this cabinet office i is...you welcome that? and do you think on the face of it, what she has said is an example of islamophobia in the conservative party and in the government? i conservative party and in the government?— conservative party and in the government? conservative party and in the covernment? ~ government? i think i will let the inuui government? i think i will let the inquiry decide — government? i think i will let the inquiry decide and _ government? i think i will let the inquiry decide and i'm _ government? i think i will let the inquiry decide and i'm very - government? i think i will let the l inquiry decide and i'm very pleased inquiry decide and i�*m very pleased to hear that actually the cabinet office inquiry is taking place and i hope there is the same political willingness carried through and we start work on defining islamophobia because that work has not happened for the last two or so years. so the resources put into defining islamophobia in hr departments across the country, councils

and now, the police are in touch with the cabinet office.o investigate the parties. difficulties mounting for borisjohnson. damian grammaticas, bbc news, westminster. let's speak now with our political correspondent, nick eardley. he's in the central lobby at the commons. a minister apologises for any offence caused by the allegation. borisjohnson doesn't make it. the opposition are smelling blood. ., �* , make it. the opposition are smelling blood. . �*, ., , , blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't _ blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just _ blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just coming - blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just coming from - blood. that's absolutely right. the j criticism isn'tjust coming from the labour party and the s there is a lot of tory mps who are really concerned about what's happening —— and the snp. concerned about their hope this was going to fade away at christmas, being absolutely undermined by the revelations over the past 2a hours. i've spoken

of the cabinet office is sort of in the frame, to coin thejordan.nd so it's a strange statement, do you think deposition can hold? i statement, do you think deposition can hold? ~' , ., , can hold? i think everyone is waitin: can hold? ! think everyone is waiting for— can hold? i think everyone is waiting for the _ can hold? i think everyone is waiting for the famous - can hold? i think everyone is waiting for the famous sue l can hold? i think everyone is i waiting for the famous sue grey report— waiting for the famous sue grey report that has been unfortunately tossed _ report that has been unfortunately tossed and i'm sure she must be hating _ tossed and i'm sure she must be hating every minute of it. it does seem _ hating every minute of it. it does seem very— hating every minute of it. it does seem very odd that she's even having to be _ seem very odd that she's even having to be put— seem very odd that she's even having to be put in— seem very odd that she's even having to be put in the position of doing this report, given that her boss signin

the 17th of december, a gathering in the cabinet office to hold an online christmas quiz for the cabinetristmas break. 14th january 2021, a gathering in number ten and the departure of two number ten and the departure of two number ten private sector is. i am not sure we knew about the 14th of january 2021 until this report. and then the 16th of april, that was the night before the duke of edinburgh's funeral, as you know, too gatherings for the departures of number ten officials. so it is laid out in black and white there what parties happened when. and we now know, according to sue gray, they were gatherings, they did happen and according to sue gray, they were against covid regulations. there were breaches of covid regulations and certainly a different behaviour, in numberten, sue and certainly a different behaviour, in number ten, sue gray points out, then what was expected in the rest of the country. let's have a word with a politician. kirsten 0swald is the snp's westminster deputy leader. which is your reaction so far? it is really damning. — which is your reaction so far? it 3 re

this is lord agnew, a treasury and cabinet office minister. because it was not properly tracked. so this is lord agnew saying he can no longer stay in the government because of this and really criticising how whitehall did not provide enough oversight to stop it from happening. the french fashion designer, thierry mugler, has died at the age of 73. he opened his first boutique in paris in the 1970s and became widely known for designs with broad shoulders and sharp tailoring. mugler�*s designs were worn by stars including lady gaga, david bowie, beyonce, and kim kardashian. joining me now is vanessa friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic at the new york times. shejoins me from paris, where haute couture fashion week is taking place. va nessa, vanessa, what has been the reaction thereto this news? i vanessa, what has been the reaction thereto this news?— thereto this news? i think especially _ thereto this news? i think especially coming - thereto this news? i think especially coming in - thereto this news? i think especially coming

has to stand down because of what may already have been released from the me inquiry or in the cabinet office. now we do know that the intended publication of the report and the cabinet from the cabinet office was going to be this week. certainly not now. and the best that could be expected it was seen is some highlights from that inquiry, rather than the summary of the inquiry. it does not prejudice in any way. the police inquiries so fresh from his mounting on the prime minister. but is this something that could suit him? is this like allowing the whole affair to be a spread out over a much longer period of time and could he fight it out? could he still survive? many political commentators feel he won't, but there is a possibility. he called all right, a lot of questions. thank you so much. andrew simmons reporting from london still had on al jazeera mass testing ordered in parts of the chinese capital. after a rise in covered 19 infections just days away from the winter olympics and beijing on the final day of talks and alls low between the taliban and western diplomats, we'll hear from th

now the police say they're in contact with the cabinet office about it. i with the cabinet office aboutrime minister know about the event and did he give his permission for it to go ahead? borisjohnson thought boris johnson thought it was appmpriate _ boris johnson thought it was appmpriate to _ boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope - boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope a - boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope a party. boris johnson thought it was i appropriate to hope a party where boris johnson thought it was - appropriate to hope a party where he could bring _ appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your— appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own _ appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, - appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, sit- appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, sit in. could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at _ could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at downing _ could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at downing stree

as a result firstly of information provided by| firstly of information provided by the cabinet officendly my officers' own assessment, i can confirm that the met is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and whitehall in the last two years. in relation to potential breaches of covid regulations. the commissioner did not specify which events were under investigation but promised updates at significant points. as the news broke one minister came to boris johnson's defence. the broke one minister came to boris johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson _ johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson as _ johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson as has _ johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson as has had _ johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson as has had has - johnson's defence. the leadership of boris johnson as has had has been i johnson's defence. the leadership of| boris johnson as has had has been so borisjohnson as has had has been so brilliant that it has got us through this incredibly difficult period a

and team _ provided by the cabinet office and team and — provided by the cabinet office and team andessment. that's right. the police decided not to investigate. but after receiving information from an investigation by the civil servant sue gray — now the police will investigate. and this is the prime minister's reaction. i welcome the met decision to continue this investigation because i believe it will give the public everything it needs and help to draw a line under the matter. also on tuesday, when mr johnson's spokesperson was asked if he thinks he's broken the law, the reply was — it's also fair to say, the opposition has already drawn some conclusions. potential criminalisty has been found in downing street. what a truly damning reflection on our nation's very highest office. and while mrjohnson is under sustained attack, his supporters have rallied round. the leadership of borisjohnson has been so _ the leadership of borisjohnson has been so brilliant that he has gotten us through— been so brilliant that he has gotten us through this incredibly difficult period _ us through t

i'm the cabinet office is' work may be paused.ion being led by the cabinet office into these allegations of gatherings and those investigations are continuing. let’s investigations are continuing. let's co investigations are continuing. let's no to the investigations are continuing. let's go to the deputy — investigations are continuing. let's go to the deputy leader of the opposition, angela rayner. we don't need clapping!— need clapping! thank you, mr seaker, need clapping! thank you, mr speaker. for _ need clapping! thank you, mr speaker, for granting - need clapping! thank you, mr speaker, for granting the - need clapping! thank you, mr i speaker, for granting the urgent question and it is incredibly disappointing but not unsurprising that the prime minister, of whom i asked this question, is not here today despite not having any official engagements. and i think, mr speaker, his absence speaks volumes, as does his smirks on the media, the public have already drawn their own conclusions, he can run but he cannot hide. mr speak

we are making changes now to the way downing street and the cabinet office is run so that we can get the job that i was elected to do, and a job that this government was elected to do. mr. speaker, i get it, and i will fix it. reporter: the findings are grim for downing street. there is a serious failure to observe the high standards expected, with too little thought given to what was happening across the country. there were failures of leadership and judgment by different parts of number 10 and the cabinet office. she found excessive consumption of alcohol that is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time. and some staff had wanted to raise concerns about behaviors felt unable to do so. this may not be the full and final version, but the conclusion is clear. a number of these gatherings should not have been allowed to take place, or to develop in the way they did. and remember, this is only the initial report into what has emerged week by grizzly week about what was going on behind the closed door of number 10. jokes about explaining away the rules. >> his fictional pa

while the cabinet office, which is conducting its own internal investigation into these events, have obviously been assembling evidence one could have seen in the past few days. they've assembled so much evidence points towards a criminal breach of the code regulations that existed in past 2 years. that they felt compelled to pass by evidence home to the police. the police, of course, are in a very difficult position, investigating the conduct a sitting prime minister is not something that the metropolitan police will contemplate easily. but no doubt, they feel that the evidence makes that position such that they have to now to take an investigation. i just thought that of course the irony is but the inquiry being conducted by the cabinet office being led by c gray who is a senior white whole civil servant will probably not be delayed because these criminal proceedings are on the way the criminal investigation is on the way so nonsense parts to snatch the house and breathing space because we see great report will probably not be published for some time longer. but of course, it does

in the cabinet office in december 2020 — for the then head of the government's covid task force.ate josephs has tonight apologised. novak djokovic faces being detained and deported, after his australian visa, is cancelled again. his next hearing starts in just an hour's time. washington and kyiv accuse russia trying to carry out balls sabotage operation for a pretext of an invasion against ukraine. balls sabotage operation for a pretext of an ukraine. and a heroes welcome, for polar preet. challenging stereotypes, after her solo expedition, across antarctica. good evening. downing street has apologised to buckingham palace, after it emerged two parties were held at no.10, the night before the duke of edinburgh's funeral last april. a spokesman for borisjohnson, said it was deeply regrettable, that the events took place at a time of national mourning. covid rules had meant indoor mixing was banned, but reports suggest there was drinking and dancing at the parties, until the early hours. the prime minister didn't attend either gathering, but the latest disclosures have amplified ca

. i they receive from the cabinet office. ., ., office.e possibility _ office. i mentioned earlier the possibility of _ office. i mentioned earlier the possibility of liz _ office. i mentioned earlier the possibility of liz truss - office. i mentioned earlier the possibility of liz truss trying l office. i mentioned earlier the | possibility of liz truss trying to share her in her margaret thatcher if you go to moscow but looks like borisjohnson is doing the same as he says no it's or buts and he will not turn back from these tax hikes. with the showdown headline. this is the story that _ with the showdown headline. this is the story that he _ with the showdown headline. this is the story that he is _ with the showdown headline. this is the story that he is heading - with the showdown headline. this is the story that he is heading for - with the showdown headline. this is the story that he is heading for a - the story that he is heading for a showdown — the story that he is heading for a showdown with this to a because he promises _ showdo

when a separate cabinet office inquiry inquiry will submit it's report. the international committee of the red cross says it's deeply concerned about intense fighting around the prison seized by iso fighters in northeastern syria. about 45000 people have been displaced by the violence in house. the case city and the i c r c is calling for immediate humanitarian axis. i saw members of the pack, the jail on thursday in a bit of free thousands of fellow fighters. i just had a world the secret awards continues and now i've been using half an hour moving hey, don't suck my me. well, not a full truck on the bill from saw it all off was well, i'm out of me. a lovely duluth in the show. feet shocked. brazil. well, i suppose abroad if what does your locals move it 1st? pucker did not. i'm out of me. good luck. i didn't get to belmont the ball with a with a different route. when my one more to walk a what rebecca webber go? oh and then on behalf of the human o lap last miss yo yo. wow. you saw possibly columbia bravo, mitten. foreman, dimmsdale little little little

his wife during the 1st lockdown in june 2020 as a result of the information provided by the cabinet office inquiry team. and secondly, my officers own assessment. i can confirm that the mat is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and watch hole in the last 2 years in relation to potential breaches of covet 19 regulations under sentences in london. and he says, the prime minister is increasingly being seen as a liability to his party. it is pretty extraordinary that you have a police investigation into criminal offenses here in the heart of government downing street. and also whitehall, that amounts to 8 events. we understand crescent a dick, the metropolitan police commissioner outlining there that the investigation is taking place and it's cooperating with the cabinet office inquiry called by the downing street staff and the prime minister of forest johnson at now, those criminal inquiries are separate. it would seem to the grey inquiry, and now we have a situation where part of the situation went by all the promises of an imminent result. to the inquiry.

as a result, firstly of the information provided by the cabinet office inquiry team. and secondly, my offices own assessment. i can confirm that the mat is now investigating a number of events that took place at downing street and watch hole in the last 2 years in relation to potential breaches of covet 19 regulations. the announcement comes off the allegations of a birthday event being held for the prime minister in june 2020 at the height of the 1st locked down a rules at a time by the most indoor gatherings of more than 2 people following a series of damaging leagues about boozy events at the heart of the government of forest johnson apologize to the queen unto the parliament. but now m. p is a saying an apology is not enough. how much more or less embarrassing stuff chris has colleagues to remove the mind from office does the minister except the prime minister's authority is in tatters. will he advise his boss to do the right thing in the national interest and resign the prime minister? not simply compounding his previous terrible mistakes by continuing to deny cul

eight of the events were downing street and forward the labouring cabinet office.ceived in over 300 photographs. we just received that my offices are prioritising this this week to consider was been provided in that bundle of material and with further investigations they need to do and who they�*re going to be contacting. and whom i did find? that is not yet clear. writing to dozens of staff in downing street in the cabinet office asking for their accounts of the gatherings or whether or not they had an excuse for their actions. although the maximum penalty is only a small fine but they will be fast—track in the investigation and it should be over in a matter of weeks, ratherthan it should be over in a matter of weeks, rather than months. it should be over in a matter of weeks, ratherthan months. but it should be over in a matter of weeks, rather than months. but how damaged are the metropolitan police after being caught in this political storm was mac they have been accused of not intervening to stop the alleged parties at the time and getting in the way of the pu

her second job is permanent secretary to the cabinet office. nister in the cabinet. it is located next to number ten and is the very centre of government. sue gray is now the centre of attention because she is investigating allegations about a number of different parties and gatherings in downing street while england was under a variety of covid restrictions. the former labour minister douglas alexander used to work with her. she minister douglas alexander used to work with her-— work with her. she is an extraordinarily - work with her. she is an - extraordinarily accomplished and capable civil servant. the guardian re orts capable civil servant. the guardian reports that _ capable civil servant. the guardian reports that she _ capable civil servant. the guardian reports that she has _ capable civil servant. the guardian reports that she has a _ capable civil servant. the guardian reports that she has a reputation l reports that she has a reputation for vigorous internal investigations. sue gray was previously in charge of ethics at the cabinet

there will be a cabinet office inquiry into claims by the former minister nusrat ghani that she was toldslim faith. speaking on a visit to a hospital in milton keynes, the prime minister said this morning that he took the allegations "extremely seriously". we ta ke we take these allegations extremely seriously. very glad that an investigation is taking place now. i cannot say more about it. what i can say is i am here in milton keynes university hospital focusing on what i think is one of the biggest issues facing the country, and something that people want us to fix, and that is how we come out of covid, not just with our economy more open than any other society in europe, but how we deal now with covid backlogs, particularly in health care. 6 million people waiting for treatments, that number, is going to rise. we have got to use everything in our tool box to fix the backlogs. investments, massive investment would be are making. also, new technology. here in milton keynes university hospital i have been looking at robotic surgery. that can help to speed up procedures. it can give patie

experts have recommended and then it will go to buckingham palace to be rubber—stamped and then the cabinet officequeen is minded to give them whatever it is, mbe, 0be, whatever and if you were to do so, would you accept it? and you have to replacing you would then your name will appear on the next list. for you would then your name will appear on the next list.— on the next list. for viewers around the world and _ on the next list. for viewers around the world and in _ on the next list. for viewers around the world and in the _ on the next list. for viewers around the world and in the uk, _ on the next list. for viewers around the world and in the uk, what - the world and in the uk, what difference does an honour make to somebody�*s life, if any? i5 difference does an honour make to somebody's life, if any?— difference does an honour make to somebody's life, if any? is the most restiaious somebody's life, if any? is the most prestigious award _ somebody's life, if any? is the most prestigious award in _ somebody's life, if any? is the most prestigious award in the _ somebody's life, if any? is th

police force has kept quiet, saying only that it was in touch with sue gray, who is leading the cabinet officevestigating now? this morning, the force's most senior officer said three factors might lead to them investigating covid rule breaches from many months ago. my three factors were and are — there was evidence that those involved knew or ought to have known that what they were doing was an offence, where not investigating would significantly undermine the legitimacy of the law. and where there was little ambiguity around the absence of any reasonable defence. and what will the police look at? the starting point will be what sue gray has already uncovered. the investigation itself should be reasonably straightforward. now police have decided which of the events at downing street was potentially illegal, they'lljust need to try and work out who was at each one, and they'll do that by looking at emails, at personal accounts and at movements on staff passes. and they'll also need to check whether anyone had a legitimate reason to be at any of the events. for some opposition politicians, the

about— are in touch with the cabinet office about the _ are in touch with the cabinet office abouto _ about the investigation and so, it's going to be — about the investigation and so, it's going to be a bumpy fortnight ahead, we don't _ going to be a bumpy fortnight ahead, we don't know exactly when they're going _ we don't know exactly when they're going to _ we don't know exactly when they're going to conclude investigation but some _ going to conclude investigation but some really big questions for boris johnson _ some really big questions for boris johnson to— some really big questions for boris johnson to answer about this party and if— johnson to answer about this party and if he _ johnson to answer about this party and if he was there, then that means ever prime _ and if he was there, then that means ever prime minister who broke covid-i9 — ever prime minister who broke covid—19 rules may have also misled the house _ covid—19 rules may have also misled the house of commons on social media of boris _ the house of commons on social media of borisjohnson telling the house of c

scotland yard has given more details about its contact with the cabinet office team preparing the reportn lockdown gatherings at downing street. the findings of sue gray's inquiry are yet to be published and the metropolitan police say they aren't responsible for the delay. but they've confirmed they want "minimal reference" in that report to events they're investigating themselves. more from our political correspondent nick eardley. it basically says that the met had been in contact with sue gray and asked her to only include minimal reference to the event that they themselves are investigating. we had expected to get the report from sue gray earlier this week, perhaps tuesday or wednesday, but the announcement from the met on tuesday about their own probe really threw a spanner in the works, one that is still being dealt with and i think this latest statement will throw another spanner into the works. because it suggests that some of the more serious allegations will not be able to be fully explored in sue gray's report. the language they use in the statement is they want to avoid any

can the prime minister confirm that nobody in number 10 or a cabinet office has sought to influence the decision to delay the initial investigation or the delay of its own incontinence? >> no, deputy speaker. the only people calling into question the independence are the opposite. >> the prime minister seriously misjudged the mood of the country and indeed he has misjudged the mood of his own --. my constituents wrote to me devastated about that. he couldn't see his disabled son , his elderly mother with dementia, and his newborn child, putting a serious toll on his mental health. like many of us across the country, he followed the rules. but the prime minister thinks he is above the rules. instead, he restructures. will he do the decent thing and resign? >> mr. speaker, i disagree with her profoundly. i do understand peoples' feelings and i do understand why this is so important for people but i must say that the best thing now is for the inquiry to be concluded and in the meantime, for us all to get on with helping everybody in what to do. >> thank you, mr. deputy speaker and i have e

it has denied delaying the report and says the timing of its release is up to the cabinet office.. i'm joined now by the deputy political editor of the telegraph, lucy fisher. welcome. for most mps, up until the point the metropolitan police said they were investigating this and we were asking for sue gray's report to be handed over but with minimal reference to the events that the police were investigating, most mps thought they were going to be responding to the full report, that is not the case, how do you think they will be recalibrating what they do now? i they will be recalibrating what they do now? ., , ., ., , do now? i have spoken to many conservative — do now? i have spoken to many conservative mps _ do now? i have spoken to many conservative mps who - do now? i have spoken to many conservative mps who are - do now? i have spoken to many conservative mps who are just i do now? i have spoken to many - conservative mps who are just hugely frustrated at this turn of events. i think there will be brought naturally from the opposition parties who already said on record that i

of the cabinet office was caught by surprise by the statement this morning and now it is not totallylear what can be published, and when that might happen. i clear what can be published, and when that might happen.- clear what can be published, and when that might happen. i think the sue gray report _ when that might happen. i think the sue gray report is _ when that might happen. i think the sue gray report is independent, - when that might happen. i think the sue gray report is independent, the i sue gray report is independent, the government are not it which is exactly as it should be, and i'm completely confident that between — and i'm completely confident that between the sue gray investigation and the _ between the sue gray investigation and the police, everything will be covered _ and the police, everything will be covered to. it's important we move on and _ covered to. it's important we move on and draw— covered to. it's important we move on and draw a line under this because _ on and draw a line under this because there are very important things— because there are very impor

the cabinet office inquiry into lockdown parties at downing street could be published as early as this

events in the report or for the report to be delayed but we have an ongoing contact with the cabinet officencluding on the content of the reports to avoid any prejudice to our investigation. in other words, they don't want to see too much made public about the most serious allegations until they have carried out their own work. it’s carried out their own work. it's very important that nothing is done that hampers an investigation but, equally, _ that hampers an investigation but, equally, it's fundamentally important that sue gray's report is issued _ important that sue gray's report is issued as— important that sue gray's report is issued as soon as practical. sue gra 's issued as soon as practical. sue gray's task _ issued as soon as practical. sue gray's task is — issued as soon as practical. sue gray's task is to _ issued as soon as practical. sue gray's task is to set _ issued as soon as practical. sue: gray's task is to set out the facts about events such as the bring your own booze in the downing street garden is, the raucous leaving dos on the eve of prince philip's funeral. interve

it says further to the investigation and its requests to the cabinet office to sue gray, this is quotingeading en masse. my officers will now examine this material. they will do it without fear or favour. material. they will do it without fear orfavour. as material. they will do it without fear or favour. as we scroll up, we can look at what the police say. the investigation would be would not be too long. uk police say they request minimal reference to be made will only be necessary until these matters are concluded. the uk police say, i havejust read matters are concluded. the uk police say, i have just read the same bed, trying to be backed because it's rather small arm the text. i think it needs to be a bit bigger for people to be able to read it on the screen. that's a bit better. we have not delayed this report, and the timing of its release as a matter for the cabinet office inquiry team. what do you make of all of that? they've clearly said this morning that the aim, i think they are just reaffirming what we already knew. the problem is as we know, they have guided and certain in

— at work that day in the cabinet office to — at work that day in the cabinet office to mark herother that feeds into this drip, drip, drip— that feeds into this drip, drip, drip of— that feeds into this drip, drip, drip of things that are being investigated. and sort of speaks to that wider— investigated. and sort of speaks to that wider culture about what was happening in downing street at the time _ happening in downing street at the time. �* . happening in downing street at the time. . ., , happening in downing street at the time. �* ., , ., ., time. and that is one of the questions — time. and that is one of the questions that _ time. and that is one of the questions that critics - time. and that is one of the questions that critics of - time. and that is one of the questions that critics of the | questions that critics of the government are pointing to, saying that this wasn't just a series government are pointing to, saying that this wasn'tjust a series of parties, this was a whole culture, that it was ok to drink i'd even played music at these gatherings, whatever you wan