36. We conclude that, on the basis of the evidence we have received, some senior No 10 officials were concerned about the social nature of the 20 May 2020 gathering and were reluctant for it to go ahead. It is not clear whether those concerns were raised with Mr Johnson at the time. The social nature of the gathering was indicated by the high number of people invited, with some attendees from outside No. 10 as well as Mr Johnson’s wife (who we consider it is obvious cannot be described as an “absolutely necessary participant”), and the installation in the garden of trestle tables with alcohol available. There is evidence that the number of people in attendance increased during the time that Mr Johnson was at the gathering.
37. We note that for the gathering to have been compliant with the Rules, it would have had to have been “essential” for work purposes. We do not consider that a social gathering held purely for the purpose of improving staff morale can be regarded as having been essential for work purposes. Moreover, as we set out in further detail below, we do not believe Mr Johnson would have advised the public that this was the case had he been asked this at the time.
Gathering on 19 June 2020
38. In June 2020, the Rules and Guidance in force for the prevention of the spread of Covid included restrictions on indoor gatherings of two or more people and maintaining social distancing in the workplace of 2 metres wherever possible, and that only absolutely necessary participants should usually physically attend meetings.[1] On 10 June 2020, Mr Johnson had said at a Covid press conference, “I urge everyone to continue to show restraint and respect the Rules which are designed to keep us all safe […] So please, to repeat what you’ve heard so many times before, stay alert, maintain social distancing and keep washing your hands.”[2]
39. Just over a week later, on Friday 19 June 2020, Mr Johnson attended a gathering in the Cabinet Room to celebrate his birthday. A cake and alcohol were provided. Some attendees, including Mr Johnson, received Fixed Penalty Notices in relation to this event. Mr Johnson accepted the FPN.
40. Photographs were taken of the event which were provided to the Committee by the Cabinet Office.[3] These show that the gathering was not socially distanced, and that it was attended by at least 17 people other than Mr Johnson, despite internal No. 10 guidance
- ↑ Regulations stated:
“No person may participate in a gathering which takes place in a public or private place—
(a) outdoors, and consists of more than six persons,
(b) indoors, and consists of two or more persons.”
Exceptions included “where the gathering is reasonably necessary for work purposes, or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services”. See: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/350) (as amended 15 June 2020), Regulation 7.
Workplace Guidance stated:
“You must maintain social distancing in the workplace wherever possible”.
It encouraged business to take “all the mitigating actions possible” where social distancing could not be followed in full. For meetings, this included using remote working tools to avoid in-person meetings, only absolutely necessary participants attending, and holding meetings outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms. See: GOV.UK, Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): Offices and contact centres, as updated 15 June 2020. - ↑ GOV.UK, Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 10 June 2020, 10 June 2020
- ↑ See Appendix 1 for photographs
