‘I let people down’: read Matt Hancock’s resignation letter in full – and PM’s response | Politics News

Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned as Health Secretary after a CCTV video leaked showing him kissing an assistant in his departmental office, in violation of social distancing rules.

Mr. Hancock tendered his resignation in a letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Here is the text of the letter, and the Prime Minister’s response, in full.

Matt Hancock:

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to resign from my post as Secretary of State for Health and Social Affairs. We have worked so hard as a country to fight the pandemic. The last thing I want is my private life to distract from the definite purpose that is getting us out of this crisis. I would like to reiterate my apologies for breaking the guidelines and apologize to my family and loved ones for putting them through this. I also need to be with my kids right now.

We owe it to the people who have sacrificed so much in this pandemic to be honest when we let them down like I did by breaking guidelines.

The NHS is the best gift a nation has ever given itself, and the dedication and courage of NHS staff and the tireless work of departmental officials is something we should all be proud of. We haven’t made all the right decisions, but I know people understand how difficult it is to face the unknown, which makes the trade-offs between freedom, prosperity and health that we have difficult. been faced. I am so proud that Britain averted the disaster of an overwhelmed NHS and that, through foresight and brilliant science, we led the world in the vaccination effort, so we are on the verge of ‘a return to normality.

The reforms we have initiated in the health care system will ensure that it will continue to provide even better care to people for years to come. We are building a better NHS that uses technology and data smarter, forming a new UK health security agency, making positive changes to mental health care and solving welfare issues once and for …