Boris Johnson Warned Over Legal Representation Funding in Coronavirus Inquiry
Boris Johnson has been warned that public funding for his legal representation in the COVID inquiry could be withdrawn if he tries to "undermine" the government.
This warning was conveyed through a Cabinet Office letter which was published in the Sunday Times.
The letter, which was sent last week, states that funding will stop if Mr Johnson knows of any actions that would frustrate or undermine the government's position in relation to the inquiry.
He must also comply with certain conditions, including sending any witness statements or exhibits to the Cabinet Office for security checking and not submitting evidence until redactions have been applied.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick defended the government's decision to hand over documents related to Covid and the purpose of the inquiry, but stated that there is no precedent for handing over materials that have nothing to do with Covid.
The legal challenge to the inquiry's demand for Boris Johnson's WhatsApp messages and documents from during the pandemic was launched this week.
The Cabinet Office refused to disclose some of the material, arguing that it would compromise ministers' right to privacy and set a precedent that could prevent ministers discussing policy matters in future.
Despite this, Mr Johnson has said he would be more than happy to give the material dating back to May 2021 to the inquiry.
The letter, which was sent last week, states that funding will stop if Mr Johnson knows of any actions that would frustrate or undermine the government's position in relation to the inquiry.
He must also comply with certain conditions, including sending any witness statements or exhibits to the Cabinet Office for security checking and not submitting evidence until redactions have been applied.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick defended the government's decision to hand over documents related to Covid and the purpose of the inquiry, but stated that there is no precedent for handing over materials that have nothing to do with Covid.
The legal challenge to the inquiry's demand for Boris Johnson's WhatsApp messages and documents from during the pandemic was launched this week.
The Cabinet Office refused to disclose some of the material, arguing that it would compromise ministers' right to privacy and set a precedent that could prevent ministers discussing policy matters in future.
Despite this, Mr Johnson has said he would be more than happy to give the material dating back to May 2021 to the inquiry.