Boris Johnson ’s government spent two years emphasising the importance of staying at home to save the NHS and save lives. People made enormous sacrifices to keep to the rules.
In the vast majority of cases they complied not because the rules were backed up by criminal laws, but because it was the right thing to do.
Meanwhile, in Downing Street, there were 12 gatherings, taking place over the course of a year, which the Metropolitan Police investigated because they appeared to be “serious and flagrant” breaches of the law.
These included Christmas parties and quizzes, birthday parties, a “bring your own booze” party, leaving parties and even a party in the Prime Minister’s own flat.
50 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) have now been given, including to the Prime Minister and Chancellor.
An FPN can only be given if the police reasonably believe a criminal offence has been committed. It is not a criminal conviction but rather a way to avoid one, by paying up and avoiding being charged.
You will no doubt hear politicians say this is “just a fine”, or like a speeding offence. I’m afraid to say that is nonsense.
There is a world of difference between a person getting a speeding fine and multiple lockdown breaching parties being held behind the walls of Downing Street whilst the rest of the public were prohibited from seeing loved ones, holding weddings and even attending funerals.
It is possible to argue over whether the police believing at least 50 crimes happened at the heart of government is “as bad” as officials and the Prime Minister being convicted of crimes.
But that misses the point. On any view, there has been a grave breach of public trust, not to mention parliament being misled.
And this may only be the beginning of the sanctions handed out to the Prime Minister – he is said to have attended six of the 12 gatherings under investigation.
Every time he receives a fixed penalty notice the amount will double, meaning hundreds of pounds may become thousands.
Ultimately, this is about the rule of law.
Do we want to live in a country where those who make the laws breach the laws with impunity?
