Police ‘looking into’ video of Rishi Sunak not wearing seatbelt

The United Kingdom’s police have said they are “looking into the matter” after the prime minister was caught on camera not wearing a seatbelt.

Rishi Sunak admitted a “brief error of judgement” after appearing beltless in a clip on Instagram as he promoted his levelling-up funding in Lancashire.

Downing Street said, “That was a brief error of judgement. The PM removed his seatbelt to film a small clip. He fully accepts this was a mistake and apologises about it.”

The spokesman, according to Sky News added, “The prime minister believes everyone should wear a seatbelt.”

Fines of up to £500 can be issued for failing to wear a seatbelt when one is available.

There are a few exemptions, including when a car is being used for police, fire and rescue services, and for certified medical issues.

Lancashire Police said, “We are aware of the matter and we will be looking into it.”

A local Conservative MP has suggested police are wasting their time by investigating the incident.

Blackpool MP Scott Benton said “politically motivated complaints” about the offence is “not good use of frontline resources”.

When asked about these comments, the prime minister’s official spokesman said it is “entirely a matter for the police where they allocate resources”.

Asked if the PM would apologise publicly, he said, “I’m here speaking on behalf of the prime minister.”

In the clip, police motorbikes escort the car as Mr Sunak addresses the camera.

The government has considered toughening seatbelt rules to ensure drivers not wearing them could receive penalty points.

Recent Department for Transport figures suggested around 30% of people killed in cars on the roads in 2021 were not in a seatbelt.

Labour said Mr Sunak’s video was adding to “endless painful viewing” after he previously appeared to struggle to make a contactless payment with his card.

“Rishi Sunak doesn’t know how to manage a seatbelt, his debit card, a train service, the economy, this country,” a spokeswoman said.