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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Cathy Owen

Boris Johnson quizzed by Line of Duty officers in hilarious viral video

Boris Johnson is not only under pressure from his own MPs, he now has Line of Duty's AC-12 officers on his case.

The Prime Minister has faced intense scrutiny over the alleged parties held at Downing Street during lockdown. You can follow live updates on the situation here.

He even appeared distressed on Tuesday as he faced questions from reporters about two events in No 10 last April on the eve of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, during which the Queen sat alone as she mourned.

And now a spoof video showing him being 'interrogated' by officers from the popular BBC crime drama has gone viral.

In the clip created by anti-Brexit politician campaign group Led By Donkeys, the Prime Minister sits in the familiar AC-12 interrogation room while facing Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) and Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure).

It was shared with the quote: “If you've got one shred of compassion for all those families who sacrificed so much, who lost so much, you’ll go.”

Even the drama's creator Jed Mercurio has shared the video, describing it as "brilliant work" as the police officers question the PM about the reported Downing Street parties during lockdown.

After bringing up the leaked email inviting staff to a Bring Your Own Booze event, Mr Johnson – who’s been superimposed into the AC-12 office – replies: "All that is subject for an interview… er, for an investigation by Sue Gray."

"We’ve investigated it. And the facts are plain for everyone to see,", Ted responds, in his typically no-nonsense manner.

Superintendent Ted Hastings played by Adrian Dunbar (BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill)

"Sir, a gathering like the one described in LBD-1 would have been a breach of the Health Protection Regulations in operation at the time. As well you know," Steve says, as the footage of Mr Johnson shaking his head is shown.

Ted sighs, as the Prime Minister appears to say: "All the evidence I can see is that people have stayed within the rules. If that turns out not to be the case, and people wish to bring allegations to my attention or to the police or whoever, then of course there will be a proper sanction."

The actors talk about people who made sacrifices during the lockdowns, before Hastings shouts: "It wasn’t just a case of one rule for us, and another for them. It was more like, 'No rules for us!'"

A clip was then shown of Mr Johnson saying sorry, as he did in Parliament last week when he admitted he attended a party in the Downing Street garden on May 20. Read the full statement of what he said here.

Mr Johnson said he went into the garden on the day of the party and admitted he should have sent staff back inside.

In the video, Steve responds to the apology saying: "The only thing you’re sorry about is you got caught."

After Kate questioned the notion of a work event "where everyone’s told to bring their own booze", the clip of the PM replies: "With hindsight, I should have sent everyone back inside."

"You broke the law. It’s you who should be inside," Steve adds.

As the politician says that he is "satisfied" that "the guidelines were followed at all times", Hastings deals a cutting blow, saying: "And we’re satisfied you knowingly and intentionally flouted the rules because you believe you’re above the law. Well fella, you’ve got another thing coming believe you me."

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