UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has apologized for breaching covid-rules as pictures of him kissing and embracing a top aide were splashed on the front page of the Sun newspaper. While apologizing he also clarified that he is no resigning.
“I accept that I breached the social distancing protocols in such critical circumstances,” he said.
“I have let people down. I am very sorry. I remain focused on working to get the country out of this pandemic, and would be grateful for my privacy for my family on this personal matter.” he added.
The pictures published in the Sun newspaper show Hancock and Gina Colandangelo seemingly kissing in the Whitehall office last month.
Following the incident, there have been several calls from the opposition demanding Hancock to resign or to be fired. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stood by his health minister and has accepted the apology, closing the matter.
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Meanwhile, Labour Party has accused British PM of being ‘spineless’ for not firing Hancock. “This matter is definitely not closed, despite the government’s attempts to cover it up,” said Labour Party.
These pictures came out at a time when the Health Minister is already been facing criticism for his handling of the early months of pandemic. In February, Hancock was found to have acted unlawfully by not revealing details of contracts signed during the health crisis.
Criticising Hancock and PM Johnson, the Labour Party spokesperson said, “Ministers, like everyone, are entitled to a private life. However, when taxpayers' money is involved or jobs are being offered to close friends who are in a personal relationship with a minister, then that needs to be looked into.”