Boris Johnson told truth about Partygate ‘to best of his ability’, says deputy PM
Jacob Rees-Mogg has defended his dismissal of the partygate row as “fluff” in the context of the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis, saying it was “not the most important issue in the world”.
The Brexit opportunities minister told LBC that some coronavirus restrictions imposed during lockdown were “inhuman”.
He acknowledged that people were “undeniably cross” but insisted that Boris Johnson had not misled parliament, suggesting the PM had been given “wrong information” adding that the prime minister “can only work on the information he is given”.
Meanwhile, his Cabinet colleague MP Simon Hart claimed “the world has moved on” from the Partygate scandal – and warned against a “self-indulgent” leadership contest if Boris Johnson receives a fine.
It comes as former Whitehall ethics chief Helen MacNamara has been reportedly been fined in connection with a party held during lockdown.
The Met is investigating 12 events, including as many as six Mr Johnson is said to have attended, and has sent out more than 100 questionnaires.
Rees-Mogg says Old Testament right on trans issues
Asked on the LBC phone-in if a woman can have a penis, cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said “no” and referenced Genesis 1: 27.
He said: “God made man in his own image. He made man and he made woman. He made both of them. I think God making us in his own image is quite good enough for me.”
However, Rees-Mogg also added: “The issue is a complex one. There are issues of tolerance, and there are issues of kindliness, and I think it’s very important to allow people to make whatever choices in their life.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 11:01
MP Simon Harts says there are many decisions ‘we’d wish we’d taken differently’ over Partygate
The secretary of state for Wales tells GB News: “‘There are many things, many decisions and judgements that we probably all made at the time that we wish we’d taken differently.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 10:52
Rising food costs ‘nothing to do with Brexit’, insists Jacob Rees-Mogg
Mr Rees-Mogg also claimed that post-Brexit trade deals would help ease the cost of living crisis – despite predictions food inflation will hit 15 per cent this year.
My colleague Adam Forrest reports:
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 10:37
Government minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said he felt “sorry” on a “personal level” about David Warburton’s position
The Brexit opportunities minister, whose constituency borders Mr Warburton’s Somerton and Frome seat, was asked on LBC Radio if he would offer a word of comfort to a neighbouring MP.
“I obviously feel sorry for somebody on a personal level but it’s really important that the inquiry is carried out and people feel safe working in Parliament,” the former Commons leader said.
“There’s a need for personal sympathy but there is also a need for a proper process to be followed.”
Mr Rees-Mogg said it was “really important that people who are worried about their working relationship in Parliament have an independent body that they can go to”.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 10:19
Jacob Rees-Mogg says Boris Johnson was given wrong information about parties in Downing Street
The minister told LBC: “The fact that the prime minister was given wrong information does not mean he mislead people.”
Watch the full clip here:
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 10:04
Jacob Rees-Mogg defends his description of partygate as “fluff” and “fundamentally trivial”
Speaking to LBC this morning, the minister said: “I think those words in the context of what is going on in Ukraine is completely reasonable.
“I don’t think the issue of what may or may not have happened in Downing Street is fundamental.
“What is fundamental is that we look in the enquiry at how those rules were devised and the effect that they had because I think some of those rules were inhuman.”
He added: “What we should learn from this is not in relation to parties, but was it ever right to say that you weren’t allowed to be with people as they were dying and I think it is so important that the enquiry that is about to take place looks to whether the restrictions were proportionate.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain4 April 2022 09:47
Parliament does appear to have a problem with drug-taking, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson has said.
Asked how rife cocaine abuse is in Parliament and if she has seen it, the Labour MP told Times Radio: “I don’t know how rife it is. I personally have never witnessed that, but it would appear that there is a problem that it…
Read More: Boris Johnson news: Rees-Mogg says Partygate ‘fluff’ is ‘not the most important