Downing Street Garden Event Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Downing Street Garden Event

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Tuesday 11th January 2022

(2 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis
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No, I do not agree with that characterisation. The Government buildings around Downing Street are not domestic buildings in the way that the hon. Gentleman characterises them, so as a general point he is wrong to make that assumption or characterisation. I accept that these allegations have caused considerable upset and apologise unreservedly for the upset they have caused, but we will await the results of the investigation.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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When someone’s alleged conduct undermines the integrity of their role, the authority of their role, and trust in their role, they are suspended. When somebody is under investigation they are suspended, so why is the Prime Minister not suspended?

Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis
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The investigation is about gatherings, not about individuals necessarily. The investigation which has been in progress since around 9 December is about gatherings, and gatherings on various dates. I have already said that if those inquiries lead to other developments, remedial action will follow, and that includes civil servants. But we have expected, and continue to expect, anyone who is asked to co-operate with that investigation to do so.