UK police to issue first 20 fines over Downing Street lockdown parties

FILE PHOTO: A police officer walks outside Downing Street in London, Britain, January 31, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/File Photo

British police said on Tuesday that 20 fines would be issued over gatherings in Boris Johnson's offices and residence that broke coronavirus lockdown rules, sparking fresh opposition calls for the prime minister to resign.

Police are investigating 12 gatherings held at Downing Street and the Cabinet Office in 2020 and 2021 after an internal inquiry said Johnson's staff enjoyed alcohol-fuelled parties, with the British leader attending some of the events himself.