By Ben Kerrigan-
Uk prime minister, Boris Johnson, broke social distancing guidelines after Tory MPs crammed into a meeting with him, it has been claimed.
Signs on the doors of the meeting room at the House Of Commons were clear in its warnings that only 29 people were allowed inside to limit the spread of the virus. However, over 50 Conservative MPs were reportedly crammed into the room. Mr. Johnson himself apparently told those present that he wanted people to be packed together in the same way by Christmas.
The Lib Dems are calling for an investigation after at least 50 Tories from the 1922 Committee allegedly gathered in a room, despite a sign on the door said that only 29 people should be allowed in. The Lib Dems have written to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg to demand an inquiry and for action to be taken if rules were broken.
The alleged hypocrisy was underlined by the fact that shortly after the conclusion of the meeting, his office tweeted a reminder that meetings of more than 30 people are illegal and anyone attending such a gathering could be fined £100.
It has been reported that some MPs observed social distancing rules by taking seats that had been spaced out but late arrivals “crammed” together at the back of the room, according to Bloomberg.
Graham Brady, who chairs the committee, said: “It is a workplace and social distancing of one meter plus was maintained as per government guidance for other workplaces.
“Obviously it is important that the democratic process is not interrupted.”
When asked whether the rules had been broken, or why the prime minister had not left the room if it was too full, a Downing Street spokesman said: “I’m not privy to the detail, it’s a political event.”
Shadow Commons leader Wera Hobhouse said: “Reports such as those of the 1922 Committee last night undermine faith in Government and ultimately impact the effectiveness of Government public health messaging.
“We cannot allow it to look as though there is one rule for Conservative MPs and another for the rest of the country.
However, Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 committee of Tory MPs, insisted social distancing rules were followed. He said: ‘It is a workplace and social distancing of one metre plus was maintained as per government guidance for other workplaces.