Related video: Speaker tells MP not to raise Boris Johnson’s comments about Muslims in parliament
Boris Johnson could reshuffle his ministers in July if he survives the Partygate scandal, according to one well-placed MP who told The Independent: “Boris is someone who rewards loyalty and there are a lot of people who very noticeably failed to show it.”
Those loyal to the prime minister believe the delay in publishing Sue Gray’s final report into lockdown-breaking events at No 10 has helped divert attention away from the campaign to oust him – and that he will survive a confidence vote by MPs, even if he is fined by police.
It comes as it was revealed that a Metropolitan Police officer responded to a silent alarm accidentally set off during one of the parties, but failed to take any action. Deputy Met Police Commissioner Steve House told the London Assembly police committee that an officer involved in the incident “has been spoken to” as part of the ongoing probe.
Asked why the officers assigned to protect Downing Street had not prevented alleged lawbreaking, Sir Steve responded: “If we find officers knew what was going on and should have intervened we will follow up on that.”
ICYMI: PM condemns Salmond’s appearances on Russia Today
No 10 defends donations from people of Russian origin
At PMQs today, the Tories were once more upbraided by opposition politicians for accepting donations from people of Russian origin.
In response, Boris Johnson’s press secretary said the necessary due diligence was in place.
She added: “The Conservative party does not accept foreign donations, that’s illegal.”
“I would make the point that there are people in this country of Russian origin who are British citizens, many are critics of Putin, so it’s wrong and discriminatory to tar them all with the same brush.”
Her comments come as the west warns Mr Putin could order a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
81% of Independent readers think Covid restrictions should not be ending
All remaining coronavirus restrictions – including the need to self-isolate after a positive test result – will be dropped from midnight under the prime minister’s “living with Covid” strategy.
More than 80 per cent of Independent readers believe this is the wrong decision.
One reader commented: “We are only just beginning to learn about the long-term effects of even mild infections of this NEW, complex disease. What we already know is concerning both for individuals & their families, & for NHS.”
UK at risk of Russian cyberattack amid Ukraine crisis, warns Patel
A Russian cyberattack against the UK is likely because of Britain’s support for Ukraine, Priti Patel has said.
Speaking the day after the British government imposed sanctions against five Russian banks and three individuals linked to the Putin regime, Ms Patel said the UK’s position will probably lead to “consequences” at home.
“I think it’s fair to say, right now, when we are in what is – quite frankly – open conflict, criticising, rightly so, calling for Putin to stop all the activity around Ukraine, it comes with consequences to us,” the home secretary said.
“The risk is alive. And on that basis, we are absolutely stepping up everything that we need to domestically,” she added.
Exclusive: Boris Johnson ‘lining up revenge reshuffle’ if he survives Partygate
Boris Johnson could be planning a revenge reshuffle in July if he survives the Partygate scandal, The Independent understands.
Referring to the prime minister’s recent troubles, one well-placed MP said: “Boris is someone who rewards loyalty and there are a lot of people who very noticeably failed to show it.”
The comment comes as an exclusive Savanta Comres survey forThe Independent showed the Tories trailing Labour by 7 points.
The poll also revealed that only 35 per cent of Tory voters consider Mr Johnson their top choice as leader.
The Independent’s political editor Andrew Woodcock has this exclusive:
Met Police responded to alarm triggered during Downing Street party but took no action, force confirms
A Metropolitan Police officer responded to a silent alarm set off by mistake at a Downing Street party during lockdown, the force has confirmed.
Sir Steve House, the Met’s deputy commissioner, said the person involved had spoken to Sue Gray as part of her investigation into lockdown breaches. He added that the Met will also speak to them.
“If we find officers knew what was going on and should have intervened we will follow up on that,” he said.
Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden reports:
UK firms hit by record £4.5bn in customs duties as Brexit begins to ‘bite’
Moving away from PMQs…
UK business paid a record £4.5bn in custom duties in the 12 months to 31 January, new figures show.
This equates to a 64 per cent rise from the previous year, according to the accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. The jump was caused by new requirements after Brexit.
“Over the past year, customs duties have been a hugely significant additional cost for many businesses,” said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the company, adding that increased post-Brexit costs were “really biting”.
“The cost of tariffs and extra paperwork is causing serious difficulties for many businesses, who are already struggling to stay profitable in the face of mounting pandemic-induced costs,” she added.
Adam Forrest has more details here:
Watch: Speaker tells MP not to raise PM’s comments on Muslims in parliament
PM slammed for misquoting Covid employment figures – again
In another update from this week’s PMQs, Full Fact reports:
Labour reminds Commons PM will correct record on Abramovich
And finally, Labour’s Chris Bryant makes a point of order to remind MPs Johnson is going to correct the record over what he said about Roman Abramovich yesterday (see my post from 11.04am).
Bryant says this is unprecedented, and points out it has taken a Russian billionaire to get the PM to correct the record.
That’s it for PMQs this week, the Commons is now emptying out.
