'Quarantine Double Standards' UK Prime Minister Hosts Wine Party with Over 10 People During 3-Person Limit

Source: The Guardian, UK

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been revealed that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a wine party with his wife and 17 staff members last May when private gatherings of more than three people were banned due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

The British daily The Guardian published photos on the 19th (local time) showing Prime Minister Johnson placing wine on a table and conversing with his wife Carrie Johnson and two close aides on the terrace of 10 Downing Street on May 15 last year. At a nearby table, four others were seated with wine, and nine people were standing and talking on the lawn outside the terrace.

The Prime Minister's Office previously explained that the gathering was a "work-related meeting," but The Guardian refuted this on the same day, stating, "Including Prime Minister Johnson, a total of 19 people enjoyed wine, alcohol, pizza, and cheese without practicing social distancing." At that time in the UK, gatherings of more than three people who were not family members were prohibited, and even two people had to meet outdoors while maintaining at least a 2-meter distance.

Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, expressed outrage, saying, "It is like a slap in the face to the public," and added, "The Prime Minister always told the public to follow various rules but ignored them himself."

The Prime Minister's Office faced difficulties at the end of last year as well, with allegations that a year-end party was held during the Christmas season lockdown. Amid the UK recently setting record-high daily new COVID-19 cases due to the spread of Omicron, Prime Minister Johnson is facing the biggest political crisis since taking office due to accusations of 'double standards in quarantine measures.'

According to a YouGov survey conducted on the 9th, Prime Minister Johnson's approval rating dropped to 24%. The Guardian and others analyzed that "the British public is expressing common dissatisfaction with Johnson's COVID-19 response leadership."