Downing Street Christmas party: Calls to resign as MP slams Boris Johnson's 'endless lies'
A Welsh MP has said Britain's reputation is being trashed amid controversy over an alleged Downing Street Christmas party while the country was under coronavirus restrictions.
The government is in turmoil this with Boris Johnson under massive pressure to explain a video, released by ITV News, showing his aides joking about attending a lockdown-breaking Christmas party.
The prime minister faced intense scrutiny at PMQs over the leaked recording which shows senior Downing Street staff laughing about throwing a festive bash in Number 10 four days after the event is alleged to have taken place last December.
Speaking after PMQs, Chris Bryant, MP for the Rhondda, told ITV News: "So many families last year had a miserable, miserable time. Not even able to hold the hands of loved ones.
"I had one family who lost three members of the family in a week. And I just think they wouldn't know whether to be furious or sick or depressed about that.
"It's not just in bad taste, it's the lies wrapped up in lies - endless lies. It's just got to stop."
When asked if he believes the prime minister should resign, he said: "I'm a Labour MP so I'm always going to say the prime minister should resign - I'd prefer a Labour prime minister.
"But there just comes a point when Britain's reputation is being trashed. It's like dragging your coat through the mud and then trying to put it on again and pretend nothing's gone wrong."
While the Welsh Government has remained tight-lipped over the controversy, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price has called for Boris Johnson to quit.
The party's leader took to social media to share his thoughts. He described the situation as mocking and added "it really is one rule for them and another for everyone else".
The leaked video has sparked strong feelings and reaction from the public across Wales too. One person described the UK government "selfish" and their actions "disgraceful".
Another said "it feels like they're laughing about us" as he explained how he was unable to visit his grandfather in hospital who was suffering with Covid.
"There are a lot more pressing things I think Westminster should be worrying about", someone else voiced.
A previous Conservative voter also added that he would "think twice" about voting for the party again.
For a week Mr Johnson and his ministers have attempted to bat away accusations of rule breaking in Number 10 last Christmas, but claims that Covid rules were always followed in Downing Street will now be harder to maintain.
In the video staff can be heard making references to “cheese and wine”, while Boris Johnson’s then spokesperson Allegra Stratton remarked there was “definitely no social distancing.”
The alleged party is said to have taken place on December 18 while millions of people in the UK were being forced to avoid socialising because of coronavirus lockdowns.
At the time London was in Tier 3 restrictions, under which the law clearly stated: “No person may participate in a gathering in the Tier 3 area which consists of two or more people, and takes place in any indoor space.”
A tweet from South Wales Police on December 23, 2020 demonstrates the severity of lockdown at the time.
During Alert Level 4, travel restrictions were in place with 76 cars being stopped in one day. 108 fines were also given out following mass gatherings.
Another tweet from South Wales Police on December 20, 2020 said 42 fines has been issued in just one day for those breaking rules in South Wales.
These included an owner of a pub who hosted a gathering hours after Tier 4 lockdown restrictions were introduced.
Many people across the country have taken to social media to share their thoughts and feelings on the allegations.
Some have been reflecting on their experiences one year ago to show the comparison.
One woman shared a video of her 104-year-old mother whom she could only visit through the care home window.
During the live segment of I'm a Celebrity, Ant and Dec referenced the scandal when referring to the show.
Ant joked: "They categorically deny any suggestions that they had a party".
Dec shortly followed with an "Evening, Prime Minister!" as he looked directly into the camera.
The video has been viewed more than 6 million times.