Boris Johnson has been under pressure over an alleged Christmas gathering at No 10 last December. But veteran broadcaster Mr Neil suggested politicians and the media have bigger issues to turn their attention to.

       The former BBC presenter highlighted how Russia is sparking war fears with its build-up of troops on the border with Ukraine.

       Mr Neil also pointed out that the Iran nuclear deal is on the brink, while China is flexing its muscles over Taiwan.

       The broadcaster tweeted: "Russia has assembled a massive force on Ukraine’s border.

       "Iran is moving back into the nuclear game.

       "China is rehearsing attacks on Taiwan.

       "But the British political and media elite is obsessing about a Christmas party that wasn’t - or was."

       Mr Neil's tweet comes after days of reports of an alleged Christmas bash in Downing Street on December 18 last year.

       Staff and aides reportedly had drinks, ate cheese and swapped Secret Santa presents.

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       The Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted rules were followed in No 10 since claims first emerged about the party.

       Mr Johnson announced on Wednesday an internal investigation led by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case would look into reports of a staff gathering held at Downing Street.

       The probe has subsequently been widened in the wake of fresh claims of more parties.

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       Alongside the alleged December 18 party, Mr Case will include in his review a confirmed festive gathering at the Department for Education's (DfE) Whitehall headquarters on December 10 last year, and a reported leaving event for a No 10 aide - allegedly attended by Boris Johnson - on November 27.

       The two December dates coincide with when mixing between households in London was restricted, while England was in a month-long lockdown during November.

       Further claims, including that there was a gathering in Mr Johnson's No 11 flat on November 13 - the night the Prime Minister's former chief aide Dominic Cummings departed - are not currently included in the scope of the review.

       Allegra Stratton, a spokeswoman for Mr Johnson, became the first casualty of the row when she announced her resignation on Wednesday.

       Ms Stratton made a tearful apology outside her home after a leaked video emerged showing Downing Street aides laughing about a "fictional" party at No 10 in December 2020.