Tory MP attends Christmas party with 27 guests

[reece(:]

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Yikes at him just mere days ago!

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[Nicky91]

hypocrisy at its worst

sack him

he won't be any credible now

[Cherie]

Like Margaret Covid, he cant be sacked unfortunately

[joeysteele]

He can have the Con whip removed and suspended from the party.
If they're serious on dealing with rule breaks no matter who it may be that is.

[joeysteele]

Its not even on the main news yet.


£10,000 Fine is best

Well it's hardly news really that some MPs break the rules on covid restrictions, even from those of the government that made the rules.

There's been Labour MPs too who have.
Then that really worrying one from the SNP MP.

It's not like this MP here however can claim to not have understood the rules since he was highlighting dangers he still sees from covid.

I actually like Tobias Ellwood, however deliberate and unnecessary breaking of rules cannot now be tolerated.
IF, the government and other Parties want the public to follow the guidelines and rulings laid down.

[bots]

the government don't care about rule breakers. They say then right words then move on to the next thing

[Livia]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

[Nicky91]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

funerals, weddings the perfect excuse these times

if those overrated politicians can get away with it, well they cannot stop us from doing the same

[Tom4784]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.

[jet]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

So good to see you here Livia, you are missed. :love:

[James]

This is his explanation.

1339549569881915396

To be honest I think some newspapers are trying to keep him away from the Brexit debate as he has been a critic of no-deal.


Tory MP Tobias Ellwood broke Covid rules, says home secretary
Published 1 hour ago


A Conservative MP who attended a business dinner was in “breach of the regulations” the home secretary says.
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood broke Covid rules by giving a speech at a dinner in London, the home secretary has said.

Mr Ellwood had defended his "well-intentioned attendance" at the event, saying it was "fully Covid compliant".

He said he was sorry coverage of it had "muddled the government's clear message as we head towards Christmas".

But home secretary Priti Patel said he had broken the rules and suggested he could face a fine.

Asked about Mr Ellwood's actions, the prime minister's official spokesman said: "I would point you to the home secretary's words.

"The PM has been clear throughout the pandemic that it's vital for everybody to abide by the rules in order to suppress the virus and therefore protect the NHS and save lives."


The Iraq Britain Business Council reception, on Tuesday, took place a day before London entered tier three.

It was initially described as a "Christmas dinner" on the council's website but its president, Tory peer Baroness Nicholson, later said it was a business event.

'Fixed penalty notices'
Asked by ITV News if Mr Ellwood's attendance was a breach of the rules, Ms Patel said: "Well, it is. Of course it is exactly that.

"Having dinner outside of the rules with a large number of people is a breach of the regulations."

Asked if there should be a punishment, Ms Patel said: "There are fixed penalty notices. I don't know the details as to where this happened or the location, but I'm sure, as it is a breach, that will be followed up."

Tobias Ellwood speaking at Tuesday's event
IMAGE COPYRIGHTIRAQ BRITAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL
image captionTobias Ellwood addressing the guests at Tuesday's event
The government's tier two guidance states that "gatherings for work purposes are only allowed where they are reasonably necessary".

Mr Ellwood, who chairs the Commons defence committee, attended the event the day after telling MPs that allowing families to meet over Christmas for five days "could be very dangerous indeed".

He urged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to review the policy "so we don't begin the new year with a third wave".

'Perceptions count'
In a statement, Mr Ellwood said it was a "business reception/dinner" where he "gleaned extremely useful intelligence" about the issues on the ground in the Middle East.

"The event took place at the respected Cavalry and Guards Club under strict Covid compliant conditions," he said.

"For the duration of tier two restrictions function rooms that usually seat over 100 have been converted to hold business events for less than 30.

"I appreciate, given the current challenges, some will question the wisdom of my attendance.

"I am sorry coverage of my well-intentioned attendance may have muddled the government's clear message as we head towards Christmas.

"Whilst the event was fully Covid complaint - perceptions count."

The Daily Mail, which first reported Mr Ellwood's attendance at the event, said it was attended by 27 people.

London moved from tier two to tier three on Wednesday morning.

'Trying to be cheerful'
Mr Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, told the BBC he had not been present for the whole event and that he had contacted the venue in advance to confirm it was Covid secure.

Other guests at the reception included a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy.

One of the original photographs appeared to show some attendees standing in small groups taking part in a drinks reception.

The rules for tier two state that alcohol at venues should be served as part of a substantial meal or with table service.

Baroness Nicholson told the BBC that once she became aware that the event have been described as a "party" she immediately asked for it to be clarified.

She stressed it was an important business function.

Asked why it had initially been labelled as a "Christmas dinner" and "party" on the organisation's website, she said: "I think someone was trying to be cheerful".

In a statement on its website, the IBBC said "working with the venue this event was fully Covid compliant".


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55343187

[DouglasS]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.

Don’t act like it’s a Tory thing always, why are you always bringing sides/politics into every debate? Corbyn has also broke the COVID rules and been excused, and he was the labour leader who should be an example. MPs are individuals and it isn’t one party or another that are solely breaking the rules

[DouglasS]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

Welcome back :love:

You have been missed!

[LukeB]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.

He won't unfortunately because it's always one rule for overpaid politicians who are constantly breaking the rules and another rule for the public. Kay Burley has been suspended for her rule break. It's not really hard for people to use zoom is it.

[arista]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.



You are all Wrong


It was a Business meeting
so large space out members
are LEGAL


Ref: Politics Live BBC2HD today

[hijaxers]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

Hi Livia :wavey:

[bots]

You are all Wrong


It was a Business meeting
so large space out members
are LEGAL


Ref: Politics Live BBC2HD today

it was a christmas piss up Arista and we all know it

[smudgie]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.

Welcome back Livia.
Great to see you here again.

[reece(:]

You are all Wrong


It was a Business meeting
so large space out members
are LEGAL


Ref: Politics Live BBC2HD today

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpYs1p5WMAEta8o?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Ramsay]

Tory gonna tory

[Kizzy]

Got around it by saying it was a 'business' meeting eh... pffft.

Can't spread covid at business meetings/ lunches then? It knows the difference betwhen that and say, a coffee morning?.

[GoldHeart]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.

Tories get away with everything :bored: , they don't think the rules apply to them .

[Crimson Dynamo]

Welcome back Livia.
Great to see you here again.

:clap1:

[joeysteele]

Got around it by saying it was a 'business' meeting eh... pffft.

Can't spread covid at business meetings/ lunches then? It knows the difference betwhen that and say, a coffee morning?.

Exactly right there Kizzy.

[rusticgal]

I'm having 30 for Christmas dinner. We're saying it's a funeral for the turkey.



Great to see you back Livia....:wavey:

[joeysteele]

He won't unfortunately because it's always one rule for overpaid politicians who are constantly breaking the rules and another rule for the public. Kay Burley has been suspended for her rule break. It's not really hard for people to use zoom is it.

No Luke it's not hard at all, I agree.

Are these actual in person meetings really necessary.
No, of course not.

Examples have to be set.
Good grief even Patel is indicating he broke the ruling guidelines.

[bots]

i place it similarly to receiving a speeding ticket, i dont think its a sacking offence. Its not like the mp on the train who was tested positive for covid and then knowingly travelled. Nothing happened to her, not even a fine

[Marsh.]

Such hideous hypocrisy, He should be sacked from the Tory party but he won't be, Tories don't care much about hypocrites among their own ranks, sadly.

Don’t act like it’s a Tory thing always, why are you always bringing sides/politics into every debate?

Yeah, Dezzy, why bring politics into a debate about an MP breaking covid rules set by the government.

[Kizzy]

And then people wonder why the public balk at being asked to stay away from their family and friends...
When you see lawmakers breaking rules people are bound to ask ..what's the point?!

[Cherie]

And then people wonder why the public balk at being asked to stay away from their family and friends...
When you see lawmakers breaking rules people are bound to ask ..what's the point?!

Are you going to start hugging your Mum off the back of it? No you are not

[arista]

it was a christmas piss up Arista and we all know it


Why is it not Front Page?


As it was a Legit Business Meeting
permitted under the rules.

[Kizzy]

Are you going to start hugging your Mum off the back of it? No you are not

What fuzzy logic is this?...
I mention that seeing an MP break rules may send a message to some that the rules are bendable at best and worthless at worst, and that means I'm going to hug my mum?
At least atempt some context.

[Cherie]

What fuzzy logic is this?...
I mention that seeing an MP break rules may send a message to some that the rules are bendable at best and worthless at worst, and that means I'm going to hug my mum?
At least atempt some context.

No context? Will you bend the rules and hug your Mum because of others bending the rules ..yes or no?

[Nicky91]

And then people wonder why the public balk at being asked to stay away from their family and friends...
When you see lawmakers breaking rules people are bound to ask ..what's the point?!

+100

exactly, they lose any credibility so any politician who breaks these rules should be sacked since public will no longer believe them if they don't obey the rules themselves

[Kizzy]

No context? Will you bend the rules and hug your Mum because of others bending the rules ..yes or no?

Again, maintain perspective. .. the issue is meeting in groups. That was the comparison I made, please don't use my post to suggest anyone could or should hug their elderly relatives, I was quite clear how in my opinion, his actions may have influenced others to break rules on meeting others in or out of lock down . Not me, but others.

If you don't agree that's fine

[Withano]

Imagine voting for the Tories and then feeling the need to defend your choice even when presented with information such as this

[Kizzy]

Dear tory... there's 700million in ppe in shipping containers lost in farmers fields, theres a 10 mile long truck centipede and we haven't even left the EU yet, the drug we need to save lives from covid is being made in Belgium how do we get it here? ...

(Tory voters)
Coooorrrbbbyyynnnnn!!!!!

[GoldHeart]

No context? Will you bend the rules and hug your Mum because of others bending the rules ..yes or no?

I think kizzy means other people will likely break the rules due to a terrible example set by MPs , which I think is already happening . Of course some of us will follow guidelines ,but other people will have a selfish attitude .

[Cherie]

I think kizzy means other people will likely break the rules due to a terrible example set by MPs , which I think is already happening . Of course some of us will follow guidelines ,but other people will have a selfish attitude .

Don’t you think those people will break guidelines whatever happens...there are more MPs of all parties sticking to the rules than breaking them it’s just an excuse for the weak minded tbh

[Cherie]

Imagine voting for the Tories and then feeling the need to defend your choice even when presented with information such as this

I have never voted Tory so that doesn’t apply in my case :hee:

[GoldHeart]

Don’t you think those people will break guidelines whatever happens...there are more MPs of all parties sticking to the rules than breaking them it’s just an excuse for the weak minded tbh

Well yeah you'll always get people who don't like being told what to do / who hate following rules, but it's still hypocritical when stories like this breakout .

And same goes for people like Rita ora etc who think they can do what they want ,and then say "oops sorry" afterwards like it's ok .

[Kizzy]

I think kizzy means other people will likely break the rules due to a terrible example set by MPs , which I think is already happening . Of course some of us will follow guidelines ,but other people will have a selfish attitude .

She knows what I mean we've had this conversation before across other threads in relation to MPS and advisors.
I've explained it well enough. But thanks :)