LONDON – British Prime. Minister Rishi Sunak was fined by police on Friday for failing to wear A . seatbelt while filming a clip for social media in a moving car.
Sunak became the second prime minister in history to issue a police fine while in the . UK top job after his predecessor Boris Johnson, who was given. A fixed penalty notice after breaching England’s Covid restrictions. The “Partygate” scandal.
This is Sunak’s second fixed penalty notice in less than a year. He paid £50 ($62) while serving as finance . Minister to attend a rally to celebrate Johnson’s birthday in breach . Of lockdown rules.
It was one of many law-breaking social events that took place at his home at No 10 . Downing St at a time when members of the public were barred from visiting family and friends at . The risk of criminal prosecution.
Filmed in the backseat of a car, Sunak uploaded the video to Instagram on . Thursday during a visit to . Lancashire in northwest England, where he was raising awareness of. Government plans to boost local investment.
His lack of a seatbelt was spotted by eagle-eyed onlookers and. Lancashire Constabulary said on Friday it was fining Sunak.
The force did not say how much the fine was. But in the UK, a person can be fined up to £500 ($619) if they fail to wear a seatbelt unless there are exceptions. Such as for emergency services, in taxis, or if a driver reverses. .
A spokesman for Sunac described it as “a brief lapse of judgment,” according to Reuters. “He admits it was a mistake and apologizes,” they told reporters.
Kat Smith, the UK’s main opposition. Labor MP for Lancashire, thanked police on . Twitter for “campaigning road safety all year” and “reminding us that no one is above the law.”
Labor Party Deputy . Leader Angela Renner was less forgiving, tweeting on Friday that Sunak. Who promised “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. When he took office in October, was a “liability”.
The fine caps a difficult week for the prime minister. Who has faced criticism this week for traveling across the . UK on army jets rather than using public transport.
But, members of Sunak’s Conservative. Party have defended their leader after his brush with the law.
“It shouldn’t have happened. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab told British broadcaster Sky News on Saturday. “But , with these things. What people expect most is, you know, the person concerned, whoever it is. Put their hands up, be honest about it, admit wrongdoing, pay the penalty.” (Sky News is owned by Comcast, the parent company of (todaystrendnews )
“it’s something that will cause him to resign,” Raab added.
