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UK's Downing Street cancels Christmas party amid controversy over last year's event

This year's Downing Street Christmas party in the UK has been cancelled amid growing anger over a gathering that occurred last December when London was under strict COVID restrictions.
 
But UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has declared his full confidence in communications chief Jack Doyle, after it emerged that he had spoken at last year's event.
 
An inquiry is under way into what happened at the party and who attended.
 
The gathering last December, involving about 20 to 30 people, took place two days after London had gone into Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, meaning people could not mix indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble.
 
Downing Street has refused to explain how this complied with the rules in place at the time.
 
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called the prime minister unfit for office.
 
A government spokesperson said it had been the intention to hold a Downing Street party this year, but that this had changed following the announcement this week of more COVID measures in England, including the compulsory wearing of masks on public transport and in shops.
 


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