Anger from Scottish politicians at Downing Street party row

The PM is under pressure to admit the party took place during lockdown

Author: Lesley DiMascioPublished 8th Dec 2021
Last updated 8th Dec 2021

There's fury from people across Scotland who've lost loved ones to Covid at the latest twist in the Downing Street party row.

A leaked video shows officials practising for television briefings and joking about describing it as a business meeting, that "was not socially distanced".

SNP Finance Secretary Kate Forbes told Clyde 1 News: "My reaction was sheer anger, because in the Forbes household last Christmas there was tears and despair as family couldn't come together.

"I imagine I speak for many people in this country when I say it's absolutely intolerable.

"I think someone needs to pay the price, and ultimately that's the Prime Minister.

"Let this be the first misdemeanour that the Prime Minister actually takes accountability for."

Lindsay Jackson from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group told Clyde 1 News: " I cant begin to tell you how the how the 160,000 families who have been bereaved by this virus are feeling right now when we see the contempt with how their lives are being treated by this government."

Boris Johnson's repeatedly claimed restrictions were being followed.

Stormy PMQs predicted

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford will be questioning Boris Johnson in the Commons at lunchtime.

"This is yet another example, I'm ashamed to say, of a Prime Minister who has lied to Parliament, lied to the public of these islands, and the only conclusion to be drawn is this man is not fit to be Prime Minister," he told us.

"If he has any self respect - any dignity - he has to do the only honourable thing and that is to resign as Prime Minister.

"The video of those in number 10 joking about having a party is really just sickening, and it something many people in Scotland are going to be alarmed about."

Scottish Lib Dem leader Wendy Chamberlain expects heads to roll:

"When people were prevented from seeing their loved ones last year because of the lockdown restrictions, and for those who were working in our health service, public sector and supply chains, to keep people safe, it really is a difficult watch."

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