The former prime minister faced a grilling from parliament's privileges committee, which will decide whether he deliberately misled the Commons over what he knew about lockdown breaking gatherings at Number 10.
The long-awaited appearance of Boris Johnson in front of parliament's privileges committee took place today, seeing him answer three hours of questions over partygate.
And it meant Mr Johnson's testimony was subject to the Perjury Act of 1911, meaning lying, or providing a false account, would be a criminal offence.In his opening statement, the former prime minister sought to reassure the committee - and all of us watching - that he was telling the truth. He said it did not matter so much what he thought, but"the more important point is that the police agreed".
Asked by Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue if he would have advised anyone else in the country to hold a large scale social gathering in the garden, Mr Johnson replied:"It was not a large social gathering. It was, it was, it was a gathering... Mr Johnson replied:"Of course not. And that's why we continued. That's why we had all the stipulations I've discussed at great length... about following the guidance."The chair of the committee, Labour veteran Harriet Harman, and senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin both had questions about the assurances Mr Johnson had received before making statements to parliament that no rules had been broken - the crux of their investigation.
Sir Bernard continued in this vein of questioning, asking Mr Johnson:"The obligation not to mislead parliament is a very serious on any member of parliament, let alone a minister, and it requires the MP or the minister to take due care, doesn't it?"
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Boris Johnson hearing live: Johnson offers 'hand on heart' defence at heated partygate sessionBoris Johnson answers three hours of questions from MPs on the privileges committee - they will now decide in the coming weeks whether he deliberately or recklessly misled parliament with a claim he did not break lockdown rules.
Weiterlesen »
Chris Mason: Boris Johnson's political future and reputation on trialBoris Johnson will face MPs questions this week about whether he misled parliament over partygate.
Weiterlesen »
Whether Boris Johnson could lose his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat after Partygate hearingBoris Johnson could face suspension from the Commons and even a by-election if he is found by the Privileges Committee to have misled Parliament ⬇️ eleanormia explains
Weiterlesen »
Boris Johnson accepts he misled parliament over partygate - but says his statements were 'in good faith'BREAKING: Boris Johnson has said he accepts he misled parliament over partygate but insists his statements were 'in good faith'
Weiterlesen »