UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in hot water politically over a series of parties held while various lockdown restrictions were in place.
The reports have reinforced a perception that the ruling party likes to make the rules but not abide by them. Mr Johnson and his aides have offered various explanations for the gatherings, such as thinking they were work events, while denying some even occurred.
Here are the allegations, the surrounding Covid restrictions and the cases police are not investigating.
May 13, 2020: restrictions ease
In outdoor public places, people are allowed to meet only one person not from their household. Friends and relatives cannot meet one another at their respective homes – even in the garden – but a full lockdown was relaxed.
May 15, 2020 event. Police not investigating
Mr Johnson is photographed with his partner, Carrie Symonds, at an event with senior Downing Street staff. They insist it was a work event.
May 20, 2020 gathering. Police investigating
A gathering in the garden of No 10 Downing Street for staff who work there.
June 1, 2020: restrictions ease
People are allowed to meet outside in groups of up to six. Exceptions are made for work and education.
June 18, 2020 gathering. Police investigating
A gathering in the Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall, on the departure of a No 10 private secretary.
June 19, 2020 gathering. Police investigating
Happy birthday, Mr Prime Minister. A small event was organised to celebrate but he also reportedly attended a party for 30 people in the Cabinet room. Downing Street said he was there for less than 10 minutes.
October 31, 2020: restrictions tightened
All indoor socialising is banned between households and outside of support bubbles. The second lockdown will come into effect on February 4.
November 13, 2020 — two gatherings. Police investigating
Mr Johnson reportedly attends and makes a speech at a leaving event for the departing communications chief, Lee Cain. There are two gatherings: one in the No 10 Downing Street offices and another in its residential quarters.
November 27, 2020 party. Police not investigating
Mr Johnson makes another speech at another leaving event, this time for aide Cleo Watson. Up to 50 people reportedly attended.
December 2, 2020: restrictions ease
The full lockdown ends but tiered location restrictions take its place. In London, meeting inside is forbidden but up to six people can gather outside.
December 10, 2020 party. Police not investigating
Former education secretary Gavin Williamson gives a speech at a party hosted in his department at which canapés and drinks are served.
December 15, 2020 party. Police not investigating
The prime minister appeared online at a Christmas quiz event for staff hosted from the Cabinet Office and from Number 10.
December 16, 2020: restrictions tighten
Nine days before Christmas, London tightens restrictions and outdoor gatherings are banned. Up to six people can still meet in outside public space. Aides to Grant Shapps have a Christmas party in Whitehall.
December 17, 2020 — three gatherings. Police investigating
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case holds a quiz event, with most taking part online, for his team. There are three gatherings. One, in the Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall, is an online Christmas quiz for staff of the Cabinet Secretary’s private office. A second, at the same venue, is for the departure of a senior Cabinet Office official and a third, at No 10 Downing Street, is for a departing No 10 official.
December 18, 2020 gathering. Police investigating
A gathering in No 10 Downing Street before the Christmas break.
January 14, 2021 gathering. Police investigating
A gathering in No 10 Downing Street on the departure of two of its private secretaries.
April 12, 2021: restrictions ease
A ban on different households meeting indoors remains in place and social contact rules continue.
April 16, 2021 — two gatherings. Police investigating
Two leaving parties take place in Downing Street on the evening before the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. His widow, Queen Elizabeth II, sits alone during the service, in accordance with social distancing protocol.
May 17, 2021: restrictions ease
Outdoor mixing is relaxed so that up to 30 people can meet. Indoor social events, including those at restaurants, are now allowed for up to six people or the members of two households.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Super Saturday race card
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile Periscope Media
Founder: Smeetha Ghosh, one co-founder (anonymous)
Launch year: 2020
Employees: four – plans to add another 10 by July 2021
Financing stage: $250,000 bootstrap funding, approaching VC firms this year
Investors: Co-founders
Results:
5pm: Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Tahoonah, Richard Mullen (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m | Winner: Ajwad, Gerald Avranche, Rashed Bouresly
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Lam Tara, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: Duc De Faust, Szczepan Mazur, Younis Al Kalbani
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m | Winner: Shareef KB, Fabrice Veron, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,500m | Winner: Bainoona, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The years Ramadan fell in May
If you go
The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road.
The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
Fixtures (all in UAE time)
Friday
Everton v Burnley 11pm
Saturday
Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur 3.30pm
West Ham United v Southampton 6pm
Wolves v Fulham 6pm
Cardiff City v Crystal Palace 8.30pm
Newcastle United v Liverpool 10.45pm
Sunday
Chelsea v Watford 5pm
Huddersfield v Manchester United 5pm
Arsenal v Brighton 7.30pm
Monday
Manchester City v Leicester City 11pm
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The years Ramadan fell in May
