Downing Street staff have been asked by police to provide a “lawful exception” or “reasonable excuse” for parties which took place during lockdown, a leaked questionnaire shows.
The questionnaires were leaked to ITV News on Tuesday, and form part of the evidence the Metropolitan Police is gathering as part of its investigation into potential law-breaking in Downing Street.
The questionnaires were sent to all those accused of breaking Covid regulations by attending gatherings at the height of the pandemic, ITV News said.
Read more : Boris Johnson hands in 'partygate' questionnaire
The Prime Minister has already returned his copy of the questionnaire and the document gives the first insight into the kind of questions he is likely to have been asked.
The document is effectively the written equivalent of a police interview under caution, and Boris Johnson is understood to be the first Prime Minister in history subject to that level of police questioning.
The document states at the outset that those accused have an opportunity to provide “a written statement under caution”.
It then goes on to ask around a dozen questions, including:
- “Did you participate in a gathering” on a specific date"
- “What was the purpose of your participation in that gathering”
- “Did you interact with, or undertake any activity with, other persons present at the gathering. If yes, please provide details.”
The questionnaire asks for timings of the person’s attendance at the party and how many others were present.
It also provides them with a chance to justify their actions, asking: “What, if any, lawful exception applied to the gathering and/or what reasonable excuse did you have for participating in the gathering?”
The Metropolitan Police said there are three ways to respond to the questionnaire:
- Remain silent and answer no questions
- Provide an answer to the written questions in the attached document
- Provide a prepared statement in your own words
The prime minister is known to have taken legal advice before submitting his response last week and is expected to argue that he did not violate the rules by attending several gatherings because Number 10 is both his place of work and his home.
A spokesperson for Downing Street has said “We have confirmed the Prime Minister has been contacted by the Metropolitan Police. We will not be commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.”
More junior members of staff have told ITV News that they are concerned they won’t be able to afford the same standard of legal advice, potentially meaning that they are more likely to be fined than the prime minister.
Anyone who receives a questionnaire has seven days to respond, with the latest batch sent out yesterday, meaning the police investigation still has at least a week left to run.
The Met has confirmed that in line with policy it would not reveal the people who are issued with FPNs, however Number 10 has said it would be made public if the Prime Minister is fined.
The Prime Minister has said he will have "a lot more to say" on the allegations against him after police conclude their investigation.
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