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'Partygate' probe: Johnson responds to police questionnaire

'Partygate' probe: Johnson responds to police questionnaire

PRIME MINISTER Boris Johnson has submitted his response to a police questionnaire relating to Downing Street parties that may have breached coronavirus regulations, his office said. 

Police are investigating claims Johnson attended gatherings that may have violated Britain's strict distancing and virus prevention rules.


Public outcry over the so-called "partygate" scandal has left Johnson fighting for political survival. Several MPs from his Conservative party have publicly called for his resignation, although he denies any wrongdoing.

Police confirmed last week that they would be sending "formal questionnaires to more than 50 people" to ask about their activities on the dates of at least 12 gatherings in Downing Street over 2020 and 2021.

The document "has formal legal status and must be answered truthfully" within seven days, according to the police.

Johnson faces a fine unless he can explain why he was at events held during coronavirus restrictions.

Johnson has already apologised in parliament for a series of gatherings identified in an official inquiry led by senior civil servant Sue Gray, but vowed to fight on in office.

Gray admitted her 12-page report was limited in scope after London's Metropolitan police force launched its own investigation into 12 parties held in Downing Street over the past two years.

While Johnson said all sides should await the Met's own findings, opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said the police involvement was "a mark of shame".

"He is a man without shame," Starmer said, urging Johnson's Conservative cabinet allies to depose him instead of "supporting further misconduct, cover-up and deceit".

(AFP)

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Hasnat Khan, heart surgeon linked to Princess Diana, back in Pakistan to lead cardiac centre

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Hasnat Khan, heart surgeon linked to Princess Diana, back in Pakistan to lead cardiac centre

Highlights

  • Dr Hasnat Khan appointed head of Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.
  • Khan built his career at London's Royal Brompton Hospital for several years.
  • He met Princess Diana in 1995 during her visit to the hospital.
British-Pakistani heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan has returned to Pakistan and taken charge as head of the newly built Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.
The appointment marks a significant homecoming for one of the most recognised cardiac surgeons of Pakistani origin.

Khan met Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday, who welcomed his decision to leave England and serve his home country.

Their meeting covered administrative matters related to the new institute, which is expected to become one of Lahore's leading centres for heart treatment.

Born in Jhelum, Punjab, in 1958, Khan completed his early medical training at King Edward Medical College before moving to the United Kingdom.

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