Sky News presenter, Kay Burley, has been suspended for six months for defying social distancing rules at her birthday party last week.
Further reports also revealed that Burley’s colleagues who were also at the party, Beth Rigby who serves as Sky’s political editor and the north of England correspondent, Inzamam Rashid also bagged a three-month suspension.
However, Sky said in a statement that “all those involved regret the incident and have apologised” and all three journalists will remain on full pay throughout their time away, which was characterised as “agreed” absences rather than suspensions. – The Guardian
The 60-year-old’s birthday party, according to reports, broke Tier 2 regulations, when a group of 10 visited an exclusive members club in Soho, London, the Century Club, and sat on two tables. – Joe
Reacting to the reports on her verified Twitter account on Thursday, Burley apologized for her offense and accepted the suspension.
“I have today agreed with Sky News to step back from broadcasting role for a period of reflection.
“It’s clear to me that we are all in the fight against Covid-19 and that we all have a duty to stick firmly by the rules.
“It doesn’t matter that I thought I was covid-compliant on a recent social event. The fact is I was wrong, I made a mistake and I am sorry.
Hello everyone,
News about me. Thanks for all your kind wishes. pic.twitter.com/6LDNVB9Cns— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 10, 2020
“Some dear friends and colleagues – some of the most talented and committed professionals in our business – have been pulled into this episode and I regret this enormously.
“I was one of the founding presenters of Sky news. No one is prouder of our channel’s reputation, the professionals on our team, and the impact we make.
“I very much look forward to being able to continue my 32-year career with Sky when I return.”
