West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has reiterated calls for Boris Johnson to resign, as pressure grows on the Prime Minister over the latest scandal to hit Downing Street.
During an Urgent Question to Parliament, SNP MP Docherty-Hughes said it would be a fatal blow to the Premiership of Boris Johnson if he attended or sanctioned any of the reported parties in Downing Street during lockdown.
Questioning Tory Paymaster General Michael Ellis MP in the House of Commons, MP for West Dunbartonshire Martin Docherty-Hughes said:
“As of yesterday, across Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven, 300 men and women—my constituents—have died of covid-19. Most were intubated, the vast majority were alone, and many were without access to the burial traditions of our ancestors.
“I ask the Paymaster General whether they agree that if a Tory party in Downing Street took place during a global public health emergency, and if the Prime Minister participated and/or sanctioned it in any shape or form, and if senior members of the British civil service in Whitehall did the same, or were even invited and did nothing to advise against it, that is a fatal blow not only to the Prime Minister’s premiership but to the independence and impartiality of the civil service in Whitehall.”
Speaking following this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP added:
“My constituents have sacrificed so much during this pandemic. Back in May 2020 many here in West Dunbartonshire were struggling in isolation; local care workers battled to keep the virus under control whilst families couldn’t be with loved ones in their final moments.
“There is real anger to learn that at the same time – during the height of this public health crisis – officials in Downing Street were throwing ‘BYOB’ garden parties.
“The lies and deceit of this Tory government have eroded public confidence and undermined efforts to combat this deadly virus.
“And this is just the latest in a line of scandals since Boris Johnson took office – from rule breaking Covid parties, to allegations of corruption and ‘cash for access.’
“It appears the Prime Minister’s carelessness with the truth is finally catching up with him. He should show some leadership, take responsibility and resign.”
Martin’s urgent question in the House of Commons can be viewed below:
