Ian Blackford, leader of the Scottish National Party, launched a bizarre tirade at Boris Johnson in the House of Commons following the Prime Minister's Partygate fine apology.
Mr Johnson apologised in a statement to MPs following the announcement that he is among the 50-plus people fined so far as part of the Metropolitan Police probe into Covid breaches in Government.
Mr Blackford responded saying: "Even the dogs in the street know he lied".
He added that "It would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious" and told the Prime Minister he "can't hide behind advisors."
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber slammed the Mr Johnson as "not just a law breaker, a serial offender."
He said: "If he has any decency, any dignity he would not just apologise, but resign."
In his apology Mr Johnson said: “Let me say, not by way of mitigation or excuse but purely because it explains my previous words in this House, that it did not occur to me then or subsequently that a gathering in the Cabinet Room just before a vital meeting on Covid strategy could amount to a breach of the rules.
Ian Blackford leader of Scottish National Party
House of Commons
Boris Johnson speaking in the House of Commons
House of Commons
“I repeat that was my mistake and I apologise for it unreservedly.
“I respect the outcome of the police investigation, which is still under way, and I can only say that I will respect their decision-making and always take the appropriate steps.”
Mr Johnson said he has taken “significant steps” to change the way things work in No 10.
He continued: “It is precisely because I know that so many people are angry and disappointed that I feel an even greater sense of obligation to deliver on the priorities of the British people.
“And to respond in the best traditions of our country, to Putin’s barbaric onslaught against Ukraine.”
The Prime Minister, along with his wife Carrie Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, were last week issued with fixed-penalty notices (FPN) by police investigating claims of coronavirus lockdown breaches in No 10.
At the start of today's address Mr Johnson said: “Let me begin in all humility by saying that on April 12 I received a fixed penalty notice relating to an event in Downing Street on June 19 2020.
“I paid the fine immediately and I offered the British people a full apology, and I take this opportunity on the first available sitting day to repeat my wholehearted apology to the House.”
Shouts of “resign” could be heard in the Commons.
Mr Johnson has apologised for his part in attending his own birthday bash and paid the fine despite telling the Commons previously that all Covid guidance was followed at the heart of Government.
MPs will decide on Thursday whether to launch an investigation into claims Mr Johnson misled Parliament over the partygate row.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other senior MPs requested the Commons vote after the Prime Minister was fined for attending his own lockdown-busting birthday party in the Cabinet Room of No 10 in June 2020.
