Advertisement
News

The Met Police is being sued for not investigating a Downing Street Christmas party

The Good Law Project has accused the Met of “operating a two-tier system, with one rule for those in power and one rule for everyone else”.

The Metropolitan Police is being sued over its refusal to investigate an alleged Christmas party at Downing Street during lockdown in December 2020. 

Despite widespread anger over the alleged party at Downing Street that took place while mixing between households was not allowed, the Met has said it will not investigate the gathering because it had a policy of not retrospectively investigating alleged breaches of coronavirus laws.

But the Good Law Project believes it has evidence to suggest the Met’s “refusal to investigate the alleged No 10 parties was unlawful,” and will be “issuing formal legal proceedings to force the Met to revisit their decision”.

In a statement released on the non-profit’s website, lawyers said: “They seem to be operating a two-tier system, with one rule for those in power and one rule for everyone else. And we think that sets a dangerous precedent with serious implications for public trust.

“We are suing the Met Police to force them to investigate the party that took place on December 18. If we win, it could have a knock-on effect for all the parties held at Downing Street. Those in power broke the rules – repeatedly. They should face the same consequences as everyone else.”

“Each new revelation makes the Met’s policy of not investigating these breaches more damaging,” the statement continues. 

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertisement

A statement released by the Met in response to requests to investigate the party said: “Based on the absence of evidence and in line with our policy not to investigate retrospective breaches of such regulations, the Met will not commence an investigation at this time.”

At the alleged Christmas party officials are said to have “knocked back glasses of wine during a Christmas quiz and a Secret Santa while the rest of the country was forced to stay home”, reported The Mirror. 

A source said 40 or 50 people were packed “cheek by jowl” in a Downing Street room while London was in tier three restriction. Boris Johnson was not at the party.

Police watchdog ​​The Independent Office for Police Conduct has said that it will not investigate the Met Police over handling of Downing Street parties.

The Met has been approached for comment. 

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

Read All
Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits
Department for Work and Pensions

Widower of disabled woman in bitter, years-long legal battle after DWP denied him benefits

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds
London Trans+ Pride
LGBTQ+ rights

Transphobia and homophobia are terrible for the economy, report finds

Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' UK employer: 'It's a national scandal'
Cardboard and a sleeping bag, on the church premises where Joseph is sleeping
Immigration

Migrant care worker left homeless after being 'exploited' UK employer: 'It's a national scandal'

Five things we learned from Pope Francis' candid and historic Big Issue interview
Pope Francis

Five things we learned from Pope Francis' candid and historic Big Issue interview

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue