Boris Johnson, an Apology?
Is it a REAL Apology from Boris Johnson?
Is Johnson’s apology real? No, of course not. Here is the text;
I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months. “I know the anguish they have been through – unable to mourn their relatives, unable to live their lives as they want or to do the things they love.
“I know the rage they feel with me and with the government I lead when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules. And though I cannot anticipate the conclusions of the current inquiry, I have learned enough to know there were things we simply did not get right and I must take responsibility.
“No 10 is a big department with a garden as an extension of the office which has been in constant use because of the role of fresh air in stopping the virus.
“When I went into that garden just after six on May 20 2020, to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working, I believed implicitly that this was a work event.
“With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside. I should have found some other way to thank them.
“I should have recognised that even if it could be said technically to fall within the guidance, there are millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way, people who have suffered terribly, people who were forbidden from meeting loved ones at all inside or outside, and to them and to this house I offer my heartfelt apologies.
What it Means
How can he say that he has now “learned enough to know there were things we simply did not get right” ? He denied any knowledge of parties. Then the photos were leaked. He denied that he knew anything about quiz nights. Then the photos were leaked. Nothing happened on 20th May. Then the truth was leaked and suddenly he remembered the day.
He knew, he always knew but always denied and squirmed.
He is not apologising for anything more than an oversight. He did not recognise a party when he was there for 25 minutes. He thought that wine, and cheese went along with work meetings.
He is not apologising for lying. He is not apologising for appalling judgment. He is not appologising for knowingly expecting the rest of us to do what he thought did not apply to him.
Then he went on to say;
“I know the rage they feel with me and with the government I lead when they think in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules. ”
When they think? When They Think?
He does not know the extent and depth of the rage and anger. He has no idea.
Boris Johnson, An Apology Scorned?
Some of his MPs have had enough. William Wragg, a senior MP, has said that he should go. However, he has never been afan of Johnson’s. Looks like the Scottish Conservative party is ditching him, but then, Johnson was always a liabiliy for them at the poles. What will really tip the balance against him is if the Tory MPs begin to feal that he may cost them therir seats. To trigger a confidence vote just over 50 Tory MPs have to write a letter requesting a vote.
It was interesting to see members of the cabinet supporting Johnson today. Most of them that is. Sunak had urgent business in Devon and could not get tothe Commons for PMQs. Johnson should not complain. He once dodged a vote about Heathrow by flying off to Afghanistan. (Remember him saying that he would lie down in front the bulldozers when they started work on the third runway?)
For now he looks safe. At least until Sue Gray’s report is published. I imagine that any eport that does not directly blame Johnson by name will be presented as vindication by Johnson. He may well survive. The thing that he does not seem to understand is that he has passed the Clegg Point. The Clegg Point is that tipping point when a politician can not regain the public’s trust. For Clegg it was student loans for Johnson it was 20th May 2020.
Links;
Senior MP joins Scottish MSPs in calling for Johnson to resign (Guardian)
Johnson mocked online (Mail Online)
Boris Johnson faces calls to resign after he admits attending ‘bring your own booze’ event (Financial Times)
I Agree with the Sun (blog about MP Expenses)
Phil’s British Heart Foundation Donation – you know it makes sense
