THE Prime Minister’s senior adviser Dominic Cummings has spoken publicly to defend his 250-mile trip to his parents’ house while sick with Covid-19 during lockdown.
There are calls for the adviser to resign or be sacked over the journey, which took place at the end of March and was revealed by Guardian and Mirror journalists last night.
However Downing Street has insisted the journey was “essential” and in line with coronavirus guidelines.
READ MORE: Dominic Cummings: Number 10 defends adviser's 'essential' journey
Under legislation at the time in England only essential travel was allowed; while people displaying coronavirus symptoms have long been told they must self-isolate for seven days.
Asked by reporters this afternoon whether making the trip from London to County Durham “looked good”, Cummings said: “Who cares about good looks? It’s a question of doing the right thing.
“It’s not about what you guys think.”
Opposition MPs including SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford have accused the UK Government of a “cover-up” after it emerged Cummings made the trip with his wife and son just days after the UK-wide lockdown came into force.
READ MORE: Dominic Cummings: Laura Kuenssberg defends senior adviser
Downing Street has said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
“His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.
“At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported. His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel