CLYDEBANK'S MP has slammed the government over allegations of a Christmas party at Number 10 Downing Street last December.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP raised concerns in parliament on Thursday after reports of top civil servants flouting Covid restrictions.

He highlighted that at the time of the alleged gathering, London was in tier three restrictions, which stipulated employees “must not have a work or Christmas party”.

The West Dunbartonshire representative went on to lambast Downing Street officials who, he claimed, “knocked back glasses of wine during a Christmas quiz and had a Secret Santa”.

Mr Docherty-Hughes said: “If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and it’s at a Christmas party, it’s usually a duck.”

The prime minister has repeatedly said no Covid rules were broken.

A probe into the alleged “gathering” is set to been launched.

Post readers have got involved in the debate on whether Christmas parties are a good idea this year.

Andy Hall thought festive gatherings should go ahead, he said: “Have them anyway. If Number 10 can have them, so can the rest of us.”

Natalie Muir added: “We should get on with life, just like Boris.”

One reader determined not to miss his night out is David Voy, who said: “We're out tomorrow night, ain't stopping us.”

Sandra McEachran highlighted: “Pubs and clubs are still open, so why not [continue with nights out], plus staff are mixing in the office all day.”

Meanwhile, health bosses have urged Scots to defer their Christmas party plans until more is known about the Omicron variant.

Dr Nick Phin, director of public health science and medical director at Public Health Scotland, said: “There is much that we still need to learn about Omicron, but early evidence suggests that this new Covid variant is much more transmissible.

"The impact of this transmissibility has been seen in recent weeks, with a number of Omicron outbreaks linked to parties.

“We still need to learn more about the severity of disease caused by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, but there are important things that we can do to help protect ourselves and our families now.

"To help minimise the further spread of Covid-19, and Omicron in particular, I would strongly urge people to defer their Christmas parties to another time.

“I appreciate that everyone is keen to celebrate this festive season, particularly after the pressures of the last 20 months, but by postponing some plans we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”