Downing Street Clears Starmer in Use of Donor’s Penthouse for COVID Broadcast Amidst Ongoing Controversy

No 10 confirms Starmer complied with regulations while filming coronavirus PSA in Labour supporter's luxury apartment

Shortly after the Conservative government issued fresh COVID-19 directives in December 2021, Sir Keir Starmer produced a video urging individuals to telecommute to help halt the transmission of the Omicron strain.

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Thursday, September 26, 2024, 12:

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Downing Street has confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer adhered to all regulations during his use of Lord Alli’s London penthouse for a broadcast in which he encouraged remote work during the COVID period.

On Wednesday, the prime minister disclosed that he utilized the home of a wealthy Labour peer, valued at around £18 million, as a quiet study space for his son during his GCSE examinations amidst the election campaign.

Sir Keir reported the value of his stay at Lord Alli's penthouse as £20,437.28, spanning from May 28 to July 13, despite inquiries into why his use extended beyond the conclusion of exams on June 19.

Recent reports reveal that the leader of the Labour Party filmed a Christmas video message in a penthouse during December 2021 amidst the COVID pandemic, an initial disclosure made by the political news outlet Guido Fawkes.

A spokesperson from Downing Street stated that no regulations were violated.

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Five days prior, the Conservative government issued new guidelines urging individuals to work remotely whenever feasible to help contain the spread of the Omicron variant.

In the background of Sir Keir's appearance were images of his family and holiday greetings, although the identical bookcase had also been seen in a clip from inside Lord Alli's apartment.

In the footage, he stated: "In moments like these, it's crucial for everyone to prioritize the country's needs and adhere to the regulations.

Certainly, I recognize that adhering to regulations might be bothersome.

"Receiving vaccinations, using face coverings, and telecommuting when possible can significantly reduce the spread of infections and prevent excessive strain on the NHS."

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On Wednesday, Sir Keir justified his decision to stay at Lord Alli's residence, explaining to Sky News that he had made a commitment to his 16-year-old son to ensure he could attend school and take his exams without the disruption of photographers and protesters outside their residence.

The prime minister stated that he had promised his wife and children that he would "keep them safe."

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Sir Keir informed political editor Beth Rigby that the scheduling of the election just before the examination season resulted in "many journalists" and protesters gathering "outside my front door."

He informed his 16-year-old son that he would locate a place where he could simply focus on his studies and commute to and from school without any hassles.

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Sir Keir mentioned that following this incident, an individual proposed making an apartment "accessible" for his son, though he asserted that "no financial transaction occurred."

"The presence of reporters at our doorstep wasn't going to be the reason my son underperformed in his GCSEs," added the father of two.

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