Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have been handed police questionnaires over an alleged breach of lockdown rules.
In the latest of what has been dubbed the ‘beergate’ scandal, it has now been confirmed that the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party have been given questionnaires by Durham Constabulary over an event held in Durham in April 2021.
The event – which both Starmer and Rayner were present at – took place after day of campaigning for the local elections with party colleagues, and leaked footage shows them having drinks and a takeaway curry was ordered.
It was confirmed by a Labour Party spokesperson, who simply said: “Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have received questionnaires from Durham Constabulary.”
In response to and in the wake of the ongoing Number 10 ‘partygate’ scandal, both Starmer and Rayner have previously said that they will stand down from their roles if they are fined by police over the investigation, but have insisted they are “confident” that no rules were broken.
Starmer said he “put everything on the line”, and insisted that resigning from his role would be “the right thing to do”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have been handed police questionnaires over an alleged breach of lockdown rules / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“I’m absolutely clear that no laws were broken, they were followed at all times,” he has said.
Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, said resigning would be “the decent thing”, adding: “No rules were broken. Eating during a long day’s work was not against the rules. We have a Prime Minister who has been found to have broken the rules, lied about it, and then been fined.
“If I were issued with a fine, I would do the decent thing and step down.”
ADVERTISEMENT
At the time the event took place, COVID-19 lockdown rules banned household mixing indoors, with the exception of working, which is why Labour has claimed it can prove the beers and curry shared by its team were part of a working day preparing for the Hartlepool by-election.
However, Durham Constabulary subsequently opened an investigation after calls from Tory MPs for them to investigate the incident.
Durham Police’s investigation is set to carry on at least until June, when any of the at least 15 people present could face a penalty if it is deemed they broke the law.
Featured Image – Parliament TV
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st June 2022 
