Boris Johnson ignores coronavirus laws for virtual PMQs
The door to 10 Downing Street - Credit: PA
Despite the government demanding those in self-isolation remain at home, Downing Street has admitted Boris Johnson was neither in his office nor his home to film a virtual session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
The prime minister was told by Test and Trace to isolate on Sunday evening and, despite testing negative for Covid-19, will remain away from the public until next Thursday.
On Wednesday he made history by answering questions during the weekly PMQs session from MPs on a video call, but officials have admitted he was neither in his Number 10 office nor in his flat at Number 11 Downing Street.
Instead, he chose a "room off his office" to appear in front of an official 10 Downing Street backdrop.
“It was in a room off his office,” the spokesman told reporters, before explaining: “We are able to do this.
“It’s a working house, and we’re able to do this without the PM coming into contact with other people.”
You may also want to watch:
The government's coronavirus laws specify that those told to self-isolate must remain in the home or face a £1,000 fine.
Government officials have now dubbed Johnson's home the whole of 10 Downing Street, rather than just the flat where he normally resides with his partner Carrie Symonds.
Most Read
- 1 Brexit regret: Meet the Leave voters who wish they hadn't voted Leave
- 2 Boris Johnson vows action over 'absurd' post-Brexit trading arrangements
- 3 Defence minister Johnny Mercer 'trying to resign' - reports
- 4 Government scraps Brexit permits to enter Kent
- 5 Opposition parties push for probe into Boris Johnson's conduct following viral video
- 6 Why everyone in rents in Germany
- 7 No 10 says Johnny Mercer is 'valued' minister as it attempts to stop him resigning
- 8 How will you vote in the upcoming elections?
- 9 Plan for White House-style briefings axed despite £2.6m spend on media room
- 10 Boris Johnson challenged over 'honesty and integrity' of Jennifer Arcuri claims
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
