A BBC video that sums up allegations about Downing Street’s supposed Christmas party last year and puts them in context of the Covid restrictions in place at the time has gone viral.
Journalist Ros Atkins shared the clip on Twitter, in which he outlined what measures were in place in the days leading up to the alleged event and how people have reacted since the news has come to light.
He said: “In December last year, Covid cases were rising, restrictions were being tightened and Christmas plans were being changed.”
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He then showed a clip from 16 December 2020 in which Johnson urged people to exercise “personal responsibility” as London went into tier three restrictions, meaning indoor gatherings including Christmas parties were banned.
He aired advice from experts at the time, the huge death rate, and reminded viewers that Johnson had urged people to “minimise contact with people from outside your household”.
“Hours after... there was a Christmas party in Number 10” he said.
“We don’t have anything explaining how this party could be within the rules because as BBC Reality Check notes ‘any party at Downing Street would have breached the government’s guidelines at the time’”.
Then, reminding viewers that Johnson banned Christmas gatherings on 19 December, Atkins said:
“Millions of Christmas gatherings had to be cancelled less than 24 hours after Downing Street had had a gathering of its own. And while the prime minister maintains this didn’t break the rules, he’s offered no evidence to explain why.
You can watch the video in full here:
The story of the No. 10 Christmas Party last December. In 4 mins. Produced Michael Cox. https://t.co/jig7Bro5sd pic.twitter.com/nUHQaOk9Zd
— Ros Atkins (@BBCRosAtkins) December 2, 2021
His explainer comes after the Mirror reported that Downing Street staff held a Christmas party last year, flouting their own rules while the rest of the country was in lockdown.
Since the original story was published, other publications have appeared to corroborate the claims by citing further anonymous sources who allege multiple leaving parties were held throughout November and December last year.
Downing Street and Johnson himself has refused to deny that the party was held, though insisted Covid rules were followed throughout the festive period. Leader of the opposition Keir Starmer said Johnson was “taking the country for fools”.
At the time of writing, the video has received over 1.1 million views on Twitter and has been praised by people for providing clarity.
I say this everytime but in all honesty this is the best reporting of current events on television.
— Rhi D (@RhiD83) December 2, 2021
Totally agree!👍@BBC @BBCPolitics hope you're paying attention? People really appreciate the clear, well-balanced analysis & explanation of @BBCRosAtkins! 👏👏
— deborah blayney (@BlayneyDeborah) December 2, 2021
Every short summation is succinct & sharp & cuts to the core of a political issue or controversy!👏
MORE OF THIS PLEASE
Ros, you're the journalist who has come out of this awful period with the greatest credit and integrity. Your broadcasts will be watched for decades by those who seek the truth. Utmost respect.
— Paddy McNally (@PaddyMcNally11) December 2, 2021
A great précis of my @DailyMirror scoop on Downing Street parties this week 👇🏼 https://t.co/yFxcoYOZPs
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) December 3, 2021
Watch this. https://t.co/yuPuVmGox7
— John Sweeney (@johnsweeneyroar) December 3, 2021
A must watch, fact-based analysis on the Christmas party that wasn’t …… https://t.co/0fVmR20f9c
— Lionel Barber (@lionelbarber) December 3, 2021
It's beginning to feel a lot like....stuff happened that shouldn't have. https://t.co/QwXxq7CDi9
— Tim Bale (@ProfTimBale) December 3, 2021
Well worth a look https://t.co/M8b8rVS0ge
— Lorraine (@reallorraine) December 3, 2021
Could this be the prime minister’s Barnard Castle moment? Indy100 has contacted Downing Street for comment.
