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Boris Johnson can’t go because the opposition isn’t any better | Ticker VIEWS
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson won’t stand down for breaking his own Covid lockdown laws, but it might be for the best
There are calls for U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to step down after his tumultuous ‘partygate’ scandal, but is it the right choice for him to go?
So if you missed it, Johnson has been fined for attending birthday celebrations at Downing Street on June 19, 2020.
At this time, the country was enduring some of the strictest covid-induced lockdowns. People were bound to their homes and unable to visit loved ones for months on end.
Meanwhile, multiple illegal gatherings were allegedly carried out at Downing Street.
So far, Met Police have issued a total of 50 infringements for the illegal gatherings.
However, there are now calls for Boris Johnson to step down, with Opposition Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer saying “Britain deserves better”.
Is this the end of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister?
There is no doubt what Johnson did during lockdown was wrong and his apology clearly confirms this.
Although the apology was warranted, Johnson justified the event by explaining it only went for ten minutes, which has only fueled more outrage.
During the time of the gatherings, the people of the United Kingdom were unable to see loved ones, missed funerals, birthdays, weddings and the list goes on really.
In Johnson’s apology, he said the illegal gathering only went for 10 minutes. This has fuelled further outage, and rightly so.
The Prime Minister can be assured that the people of the United Kingdom would give anything to have just ten minutes with a dying relative, attend a funeral or elope.
Therefore, to use the ten minutes as a justification is naive and arrogant.
“When it comes to public opinion, people are angry…
…The problem we have here is we have no real opposition.”
Sir richard taylor, political commentator
Opposition isn’t any better
The opposition has repeatedly urged Johnson to step down, citing his unacceptable behaviour during lockdowns. However, the opposition did it too, making their moral compass just as bad.
Does this behaviour from Downing Street signify a broader arrogance and divide between politicians and citizens?
“Those calling for his resignation, however, many of those were complicit…Even the opposition party broke some laws themselves…”
“Boris Johnson, in my opinion, will not go, he will not go for the simple reason the war in Ukraine has saved him.”
Sir richard taylor, political commentator
Has Ukraine saved Johnson?
Just as the Partygate scandal was heating up, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Somewhat convenient for Boris Johnson’s political career. He has shown significant leadership and determination to support Ukraine against Russia.
Ukraine’s leader has also praised Johnson for his support.
Johnson even traveled to Ukraine, putting his safety on the line to show solidarity with the war-torn nation.
Some say his handling of Ukraine might have saved his political career.
If labour were in charge, we would still be in lockdown… There are many reasons people don’t want Boris Johnson to resign…
But going into the next general election… I doubt that he’ll be the next Prime Minister… My money is on Liz Truss.”
Sir richard taylor, political commentator
Sue Gray’s official report on the ‘Partygate’ scandal will be released after the police have been finalised.