Thread by @allthecitizens

Here we go. First extracts from #SueGrayReport are out.
Damning.

https://twitter.com/BethRigby/status/1529407017558884355

The document contains further images which evidence yet more instances of rule-breaking at some of the 16 events within scope (4 of which didn't meet the threshold for the Met Police investigation):

In total, 126 FPNs were issued by the Met, to a total of 83 individuals (some of whom received multiple), for the following 8 events:

According to the report, the Met investigation "necessarily limited what we were able to establish about those gatherings as it would not have been appropriate to continue with our investigation once the police investigation had commenced."

Only some of the official photos are being released, not those taken on personal devices, with only Ministers/the Cabinet Secretary shown.

Also, Only "the most high-ranking individuals who knew about and/or attended an event" are named, but haven't necessarily received an FPN.

'It is important to remember the stringency of the public health regulations in force in England over the relevant periods and that criminal sanctions were applied to many found to be in breach of them.'

[The regulations at the time are also posted for reference]

The Events.

15 May 2020:

"PM, Martin Reynolds, and Dominic Cummings were continuing a lengthy meeting that had started in the PM's office, before moving to the garden... The PM brought cheese and wine".

'no reason to suggest this was anything other than a further work meeting.

20 May 2020:

'Could you also suggest they bring their own booze! Not sure we will have enough but hopefully there aren't that
many people in the building!'

'...but a 200 odd person invitation for drinks in the garden of No10 is somewhat of a comms risk'

18 June 2020:

(Gatherings of two or more indoors and more than six outdoors, prohibited) -

No.10 official: 'Well if we're doing it in Cabinet Room with a gap then to the actual drinks, I think we can more explicitly call it [No10 official goodbye leaving speech or something'

'On 18 June 2020 over 25 people gathered for the first formal part of the leaving event with speeches which took place in the Cabinet Room, including No 10 official, Dominic Cummings and Simon Case'

'The event lasted for a number of hours. There was excessive alcohol consumption by some individuals. One individual was sick. There was a minor altercation between two other individuals'

The event broke up in stages.. the last member of staff stayed to tidy up, leaving @ 03.13

19 June 2020:

'[Cleo Watson] [09:09] Hi! PM birthday today - We've organised some sandwiches and cake for about 1pm in the Cabinet Room if anyone from your team would like
to pop in and wish him a happy birthday.'

13 Nov 2020 (after a second national lockdown was introduced):

The investigation was informed that this was not pre-planned. It did occur at around the time that 'Wine Time Friday' would normally be taking place. The Prime Minister attended on his way to his Downing Street flat'

'The information collected on this gathering is limited as the process of obtaining evidence had only just been commenced when the Metropolitan Police announced their own investigations, which included events on the 13 November 2020.'

27 Nov 2020:

'There were approximately 15 to 20 people in attendance, some of whom were drinking alcohol. As well as some people from the Press Office, a number of senior officials, private office staff and special advisers attended the event.'

10 December 2020:

'Approximately 20-30 staff gathered in the canteen at around 17.00 on 10 December 2020. Staff had been invited to bring their own refreshments, including a suggestion in the invitation that those joining should bring their own bottle.'

15 December 2020:

'Some staff drank alcohol. A No 10 official sent a message on internal No 10 systems referring to 'drunkenness' and advising staff to leave No 10 via the back exit... they did this in order to avoid staff being photographed by the press outside'

17 December 2020:

On 1 Dec 2020 an email was sent by a CO official in the Cabinet Secretary's Private Office to fellow Private Office staff (comprising 12 individuals) inviting them to a 'virtual Christmas party' that would be held on Thursday 17 Dec 2020. The invitation said:

17 December 2020:

'There were around 20 people in the room from across No 10 but predominantly from the Private Office staff. Other members of staff joined virtually. Approximately five bottles of wine were provided.

The Prime Minister attended for around 15 minutes'

17 December 2020:

'The event began between 19.00 and 20.00 on 17 December 2020, with more than 20 staff attending, including James Bowler, Simon Ridley, one of the other Director Generals of the Covid 19 Taskforce, and Kate Josephs.'

18 December 2020:

'a gathering lasting several hours took place in the No 10 Press Office. Between 20-45 individuals attended over the course of the evening to celebrate the end of year/Christmas. The event included a Secret Santa and awards ceremony. There was alcohol and food'

'This was known as 'Wine Time Friday' where bottles of wine were placed on a table in a small room adjacent to the main Press Office and people could help themselves.'

'At approximately 19.45 that evening, a panic alarm button was accidentally triggered by a member of staff.'

'The custodians on duty responded, as did one of the police officers on No 10 door duty. They observed a large number of people in the area outside of the main Press Office and one individual giving a speech. Inside
the Press Office a further 15-20 people were present.'

'Some members of staff drank excessively. The event was crowded and noisy such that some people working elsewhere in the No 10 building that evening heard significant levels of noise coming from what they characterised as a 'party' in the Press Office.

14 Jan 2021:

'Following the speeches while some people left, others remained in the Pillared Room and continued to chat and drink. It is unclear what time the event finished. We were informed at least some of those present were there beyond 23.00'

16 April 2021:

'On 16 April 2021 two separate leaving events took place in No 10, one for the Director of Communications, James Slack, and one for a No 10 official. Alcohol was available at both events and there were speeches'

'The Prime Minister was not in residence'.

Conclusions:

'Whatever the initial intent, what took place at many of these gatherings and the way in which they developed was not in line with Covid guidance at the time'

'It is also the case that some of the more junior civil servants believed that their involvement in some of these events was permitted given the attendance of senior leaders. The senior leadership at the centre, both political/official, must bear responsibility for this culture.'

'I found that some staff had witnessed or been subjected to behaviours at work which they had felt concerned about but at times felt unable to raise properly.... multiple examples of a lack of respect and poor treatment of security and cleaning staff. This was unacceptable.'

'The matter of what disciplinary action should now take place is outside of the scope of this report and is for others to consider....'