Allegations that a Christmas party was held at 10 Downing Street, London on 18 December 2020
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.21.022417
I note you seek access to the following information:
I am aware of allegations that a Christmas party was held at 10 Downing Street, London on 18 December 2020, allegedly in breach of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (made pursuant to Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. I am also aware that the MPS Commissioner has stated that no investigation will take place due to there being a lack of evidence. Please could you confirm the following:
1/ Has the allegation been officially recorded on the MPS systems?
2/ Has a rationale been recorded as to the reasons why an investigation will not take place?
3/ Could you provide a copy of said rationale if it exists (redacted if necessary)?
4/ Could you confirm that all reasonable lines of enquiry have been completed as per S. 3.5 Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (section 23(1)) Code of Practice?
5/ If question 4 is answered in the negative please could you provide a justification as to why they have not been conducted?
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Q1 - Has the allegation been officially recorded on the MPS systems?
I have been advised that no official specific complaints classified under the Police Reform Act 2002 (PRA) have been made to the Metropolitan Police Service in relation to the alleged breach, however, approximately 1900 reports have been received from members of the public.
Q2 - Has a rationale been recorded as to the reasons why an investigation will not take place?
As above, these reports did not meet the threshold under the PRA 2002.
Q3 - Could you provide a copy of said rationale if it exists (redacted if necessary)?
As above.
Q4 - Could you confirm that all reasonable lines of enquiry have been completed as per s. 3.5 Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (section 23(1)) Code of Practice?
As above.
Q5 - If question 4 is answered in the negative please could you provide a justification as to why they have not been conducted?
As above.