Catherine West MP in Parliament
Catherine West MP in Parliament

As the Prime Minister admitted what everyone already knew, that he was partying as the nation locked down, my inbox has been bursting with messages of rage and sorrow.

Rachel, who went nine months without being able to see her beloved mother in a care home during 2020. Another resident who was only able to have 8 people at her mum’s funeral. Another who had to go through cancer treatment on their own.

In Parliament I spoke about Alison, an intensive care nurse at the Whittington who had to watch her own Grandma’s funeral on zoom.  Watch my question here:

Yesterday, following his appearance at PMQs, I wrote to the PM to urge him to reconsider his position.  Read my full letter here:

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA

11 January 2022

Dear Prime Minister,

Like many MPs across the House, I have received heart-breaking emails from my constituents demanding answers regarding the mounting allegations relating to parties held in your residence at Downing Street while the UK faced lockdown restrictions, notably including the one on the 20th May 2020, now widely reported in the press.

Earlier this week, I raised the case of my constituent Alison in Parliament. Alison was forced to miss funerals in Spring 2020 due to lockdown restrictions. Understandably she, and many others in my constituency and indeed across the UK, is angered by the latest revelations and I do not believe that your comments in the House today are sufficient to address the very clear concerns raised.  You had the opportunity to show contrition today to those who have been angered by the actions of you and your Government, and I am afraid that you have failed to do so.

Throughout the pandemic, the British public followed all lockdown restrictions, despite the heart wrenching pain and suffering that this caused. In the last month, more and more revelations have come to light about numerous parties that took place on your watch. These parties and “gatherings” have undermined faith in you as Prime Minister, and in your government more widely.

Today at PMQs, you admitted that you attended the No10 garden party on 20th May but that you thought it had been a “work event”. It is my firm belief that this is a weak response to a very serious situation and will not be sufficient for those like Alison who have suffered so much.

The Leader of the Opposition spoke for many of us in criticising your actions and highlighting the lack of faith in your government. In the national interest I urge you to reconsider your role and resign as Prime Minister to avoid further pain and suffering.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine West
Member of Parliament for Hornsey & Wood Green

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