2 The Rules and Guidance, and what Mr Johnson saw or knew
20. In this section of our report we will consider the extent of Mr Johnson’s direct knowledge of particular gatherings[1] in No. 10 on the basis of his personal experience, and set this in the context of the Covid Rules and Guidance in force at the time of each gathering. We also highlight contemporary statements made over this period by Mr Johnson at press conferences and to the House, which evidence his knowledge of the Covid Rules and Guidance in force at the time. We have focussed on six gatherings: those on 20 May 2020, 19 June 2020, 13 and 27 November 2020, 18 December 2020 and 14 January 2021. Mr Johnson attended five of these gatherings, and was briefly in close proximity to the sixth (that on 18 December 2020).
21. In the next section of this report, dealing with the assertions Mr Johnson later gave to the House about compliance with Covid Rules and Guidance, we consider whether, in the light of what he had seen and known at the time of each gathering, as well as of subsequent developments including assurances he was given by others, it is credible that Mr Johnson believed, and had given sufficient consideration to, the assertions he was making.
22. Over the period from May 2020 to January 2021 (the period covering the above events) the Rules and the Guidance imposing restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid varied. Nevertheless, regulations consistently imposed restrictions on gatherings between people from different households with a limited number of exceptions. These exceptions included where a gathering was “essential” for work purposes under regulations in force before 1 June 2020, or “reasonably necessary” for work purposes under regulations in force from 1 June 2020.[2] Between May 2020 and April 2021, workplace Guidance specified maintaining social distancing “where possible”.[3] At the material time, No. 10 Downing Street circulated all staff working in those offices with the Rules and Guidance that they should follow, including social distancing requirements.[4]
Mr Johnson’s knowledge of individual gatherings
Gathering on 20 May 2020
23. In May 2020, the Rules and Guidance in force for the prevention of the spread of Covid included restrictions on gatherings of more than two people, and stated that only
- ↑ We refer to “gatherings” or “events” as these are neutral terms. We have avoided using the word “party”, except occasionally when directly quoting the words of a witness, as this is not a term used in the House’s referral motion of 21 April 2022, which refers to “events”, nor is it one susceptible of clear definition. In paragraph 82 below we refer to one case in which Mr Johnson himself used the term “party”, and we cite his lawyers’ explanation for his use of the term.
- ↑ As set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, and subsequent Regulations.
- ↑ As set out in various iterations of the guidance: “Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): Offices and contact centres”, published on GOV.UK
- ↑ Evidence received from the Cabinet Office on 21 December 2022. See Additional evidence materials: Additional material not previously published relied upon in the Committee’s Fifth Report, Session 2022–23, pp3–7
