To record a video for social media, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rode in a car without a seatbelt.
On Thursday, a Downing Street representative said Sunak apologized for his poor decision.
Sunak addressed the camera from the back of his car while not wearing a seatbelt in the video, which details the government’s most recent funding initiative to “level up” communities nationwide.
“That was an instantaneous lapse in judgment. To record a brief clip, the Prime Minister unbuckled his seatbelt, a Downing Street spokesperson told reporters on Thursday.
“He fully acknowledges that he made a mistake and apologized. “.
Unless there is an exception, such as for emergency services, in a taxi, or when a driver is reversing, failure to wear a seatbelt in Britain can result in a fine of up to 500 pounds.
When asked if Sunak had any exemptions while riding in a government vehicle, the spokesperson told reporters: “It was a mistake, and he has apologized. “.