Rishi Sunak’s household have been “reminded of the rules” by police after their canine was filmed and not using a lead on in London’s Hyde Park.
A video shared on social media appeared to point out the prime minister’s labrador retriever roaming freely close to a lake within the park.
The clip confirmed a discover board which mentioned: “Dogs must be kept on leads”, earlier than exhibiting Mr Sunak and what seemed to be his spouse placing the pet, named Nova, on a leash.
It was shared by a TikTok person who wrote: “Lol, as if Rishi Sunak put his dog on the lead when he saw me filming the sign saying dogs must be on a lead.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman mentioned: “We are conscious of a video exhibiting a canine being walked off the lead in Hyde Park.
“An officer, who was present at the time, spoke to a woman and reminded her of the rules. The dog was put back on the lead.”
The Royal Parks web site says canine are welcome in all its parks “although there are some places where they are not allowed or must be kept on a lead”.
It says: “These are clearly indicated within each park and are usually ecologically sensitive sites, deer parks, children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes and some sports areas.”
Downing Street mentioned it will not be commenting on the footage.
A spokesman for the prime minister instructed reporters: “I’m not going to be commenting on the filming of the prime minister’s family and private individuals.
“You can see the video, it speaks for itself.”
Pressed on whether Mr Sunak would be apologising for breaching the park’s rules, the spokesman replied: “As I say, I’m not going to touch upon the video which you have seen.”
The Met said it would have no further involvement in the matter.
It is not the first time Mr Sunak has been contacted by police.
Earlier this year, the prime minister was fined for not wearing a seatbelt while filming a clip on Instagram to promote his levelling-up funding.
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Downing Street apologised at the time, saying he “absolutely accepts this was a mistake”.
Mr Sunak has additionally been fined by the Met Police for breaking lockdown guidelines.
He and Mr Johnson had been handed fastened penalty notices over a birthday held in Downing Street for the previous prime minister when curbs had been in place in June 2020.
Source: information.sky.com”
