A Cumbrian MP has said “there are more important things happening right now” than what happened during Christmas parties inside Number 10 last year.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria this morning, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: “I think there are many many more important things happening right now in the world than what some civil servants were doing 12 months ago I have got to be honest.
“What we are hearing being reported doesn’t even sound like a party to me, cheese and nibbles at work. I would be the first to admit I bought my staff that worked incredibly hard last year and right through last Christmas that I bought them mince pies and celebrations as well.”
Mr Jenkinson says he has not heard anything to suggest COVID restrictions were broken.
“Yeah, that’s what we are told,” he said. “Obviously, the investigation will tell us if there is anything different, Simon Case is going to investigate that.”
Meanwhile, Mr Jenkinson tweeted that he would not vote for the government’s new coronavirus restrictions which included the wearing of face masks for most indoor public venues, a COVID pass or negative test result for entry into places like nightclubs and encouragement to work from home if you can.
“Sajid Javid has offered no evidence for further restrictions— or ‘Plan B’ – just as businesses desperately need a good Christmas,” he tweeted.
“These measures are divisive, discriminatory and are unlikely to stop spread. It is with regret that I will not support the government’s measures. Work from home guidance will worsen the divide that COVID has so starkly shown.
“The most vulnerable will be impacted disproportionately. There are businesses – people’s livelihoods – that will not survive this. I am double vaccinated and have had my booster. I encourage you to do the same.”
