British PM’s father pictured in shop without face mask, apologises

London, October 1

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley Johnson, has been pictured purchasing with out a face masks, now a authorized requirement as a part of measures to manage the unfold of coronavirus within the UK.

The 80-year-old writer and former Conservative Party member of the European Parliament apologised, claiming he might not be totally up to date on the brand new guidelines, underneath which the dearth of face coverings in enclosed areas can incur fines of 200 kilos for first-time offenders, rising steeply for repeat offences.

“I’m extremely sorry for the slip up and I would urge absolutely everybody to do everything they can to make sure they do follow the rules about masks and social distancing,” Stanley Johnson was quoted as saying by the ‘Daily Mirror’ newspaper, which first printed the image of him purchasing in an area newsagent retailer.

“The fact this was my first day back in the UK after three weeks abroad is, I am sure, no excuse for not knowing the rules,” he mentioned.

Stanley Johnson was referring to his keep at his residence in Greece, a journey which had additionally attracted some criticism again in July when the official lockdown-related journey steerage known as for a ban on all however important journey. However, he had claimed his journey requirement was important.

His purchasing journey again in west London with out a face protecting got here on Tuesday, a day earlier than his son, the Prime Minister, addressed a sombre briefing from Downing Street to warn that the UK was at a “critical point” because the variety of each day coronavirus infections was exhibiting a pointy rise.

“Bear in mind that the fines are now very considerable and they will be imposed,” he had mentioned, in reference to the authorized requirement for face coverings which got here in drive final month.

Meanwhile, former Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn has additionally been equally caught breaking the coronavirus guidelines on massive gatherings and compelled to apologise for the error.

He was pictured by ‘The Sun’ newspaper together with his spouse, Laura Alvarez, at a cocktail party for 9 individuals, breaching the so-called “rule of six”, which restricts gatherings to solely six individuals indoors or outside. The first-time penalty for the breach can be set at 200 kilos.

“I recently had dinner at a friend’s house where the number of guests eventually exceeded five. I understand that remaining at the dinner was a breach of the rule of six. I apologise for my mistake,” the north London MP informed the newspaper.

It stays to be seen if Johnson and Corbyn shall be issued with penalty notices and made to pay the high-quality. PTI