Would you have done what Cummings did ?

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

I would defo have given it consideration..
but have to say that the day he returned to London the UK recorded 1044 deaths { 3rd worse day } and over 5k infections..

Without a doubt. Many people have flouted the rules a little.
I thought the media totally embarrassed themselves during the trial.....erm I mean "Press conference"
I knew very little about Cummings before seeing him live and he certainly went up in my estimation although the media helped his cause immensely.
I think you had to watch it live to appreciate how sick the media were.
One of them even asked him to apologise for having the means and resources to do what he did.

No. I haven't been to my West Wales home since the week before lockdown. Given the choice I would have rather gone through all this down there with my wife and also we would have felt a lot safer too.

I agree with the lockdown up to now but given the infection rate, downward slide on deaths and new cases as well as the large amount of capacity in hospital beds we're getting close to the point where the Welsh Government has to give the public something to look forward to, otherwise they will start to lose them.

Without a doubt. Many people have flouted the rules a little.
I thought the media totally embarrassed themselves during the trial.....erm I mean "Press conference"
I knew very little about Cummings before seeing him live and he certainly went up in my estimation although the media helped his cause immensely.
I think you had to watch it live to appreciate how sick the media were.
One of them even asked him to apologise for having the means and resources to do what he did.

yep...but it wasn't political.

No. I haven't been to my West Wales home since the week before lockdown. Given the choice I would have rather gone through all this down there with my wife and also we would have felt a lot safer too.

I agree with the lockdown up to now but given the infection rate, downward slide on deaths and new cases as well as the large amount of capacity in hospital beds we're getting close to the point where the Welsh Government has to give the public something to look forward to, otherwise they will start to lose them.

I totally disagree with the lockdown of the healthy.
Im all for protection of the old, frail and vulnerable.
I believe that the toll of deaths in the longterm would very easily outweigh the short to mid term, not to mention the extra hardship and mental health repercussions.
I do respect other views though.
I wasn't talking about holiday homes...I was talking about flouting the rules. EG I was walking out doors more than once a day when the guideline was once. Ive also visited my dad on many occasions. (exceptional circumstances?... I could argue the case) Yes ive flouted the rules and I believe many have.
Flouting is flouting...or does it matter how much we flout or is the real question here.....WHO flouts?
I'm actually enjoying having a decent discussion here.

No. I haven't been to my West Wales home since the week before lockdown. Given the choice I would have rather gone through all this down there with my wife and also we would have felt a lot safer too.

I agree with the lockdown up to now but given the infection rate, downward slide on deaths and new cases as well as the large amount of capacity in hospital beds we're getting close to the point where the Welsh Government has to give the public something to look forward to, otherwise they will start to lose them.

I totally disagree with the lockdown of the healthy.
Im all for protection of the old, frail and vulnerable.
I believe that the toll of deaths in the longterm would very easily outweigh the short to mid term, not to mention the extra hardship and mental health repercussions.
I do respect other views though.
I wasn't talking about holiday homes...I was talking about flouting the rules. EG I was walking out doors more than once a day when the guideline was once. Ive also visited my dad on many occasions. (exceptional circumstances?... I could argue the case) Yes ive flouted the rules and I believe many have.
Flouting is flouting...or does it matter how much we flout or is the real question here.....WHO flouts?
I'm actually enjoying having a decent discussion here.

I overheard my next door neighbour ranting across the dividing wall about Cummings yesterday morning... the same neighbour who has her brother over for Sunday dinner every week... and no doubt would be one of the 65% or whatever it is who have not flouted the rules if asked...so much hypocrisy its unreal..

NO .

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Yes... High time we moved on now I'd say.

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Yes... High time we moved on now I'd say.

Yes let them get away with it bunch of lying sods, putting politics before health commings should have been sacked and although I voted for Johnson, today he has just shown what an arsehole he is refusing to answer questions. And how can anyone with any sense, believe that bullshit about the 60 mile return journey to test his eyesight ffs his child in the car. Is that not breaking the law beside the rules.

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Yes... High time we moved on now I'd say.

Yes let them get away with it bunch of lying sods, putting politics before health commings should have been sacked and although I voted for Johnson, today he has just shown what an arsehole he is refusing to answer questions. And how can anyone with any sense, believe that bullshit about the 60 mile return journey to test his eyesight ffs his child in the car. Is that not breaking the law beside the rules.

Johnson said Yes he had seen the evidence but had no time and more important things to get on with .
Sadly i don't agree with him as there was no physical evidence to back up more lies - let the pubic decide the truth .
Looks like most have / are and this is only going to get worse with how people go about each day .

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Yes... High time we moved on now I'd say.

Yes let them get away with it bunch of lying sods, putting politics before health commings should have been sacked and although I voted for Johnson, today he has just shown what an arsehole he is refusing to answer questions. And how can anyone with any sense, believe that bullshit about the 60 mile return journey to test his eyesight ffs his child in the car. Is that not breaking the law beside the rules.

Johnson said Yes he had seen the evidence but had no time and more important things to get on with .
Sadly i don't agree with him as there was no physical evidence to back up more lies - let the pubic decide the truth .
Looks like most have / are and this is only going to get worse with how people go about each day .

Too true Tony

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

I would be gone

Johnson will not publish 'evidence' from Cummings

Labour's Meg Hillier asks the PM about whether he had seen the evidence about so-called "false" allegations by the media on Dominic Cummings.

The PM says: "I don't want to go into much more than I said..."

But Ms Hillier pushes again, saying it is a "simple yes or no question".

After Johnson says he has seen the evidence, she asks if it should be published or handed to the cabinet secretary.

Johnson says: "I would not be doing my job if I were now to shuffle this problem into the hands of officials... who are working flat out to deal with coronavirus.

"I know there is a great political interest in this and I totally understand the public indignation, but... I have said what I have said about the whole business and it would be much better if we could move on."

Yes... High time we moved on now I'd say.

Yes let them get away with it bunch of lying sods, putting politics before health commings should have been sacked and although I voted for Johnson, today he has just shown what an arsehole he is refusing to answer questions. And how can anyone with any sense, believe that bullshit about the 60 mile return journey to test his eyesight ffs his child in the car. Is that not breaking the law beside the rules.

it really depends how big a problem the blurred vision was.. but its certainly not against the law unless knowingly not up to eye sight criteria for driving... you can drive a car with only one eye.
and of course if you only have one eye and children you probably drive with them in the car....

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

Many would look to do the best for their family and in particular their children but in my opinion Cummings did what was best for Cummings.

To start with he didn't even speak to his boss, our Prime Minister, he didn't even seek the advice or support of the Cabinet or any of the Scientific Experts within 10 Downing Street. Cummings decided in and excuse the pun "Isolation" to make his own arrangements and sod off to Durham with his family.

From the very outset of the lockdown the mantra was "Stay At Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives" but Cummings, a Senior Member of the 10 Downing Street Team, turned his back on ALL the advice he helped draw up and did what was best for the Cummings Clan.

He claims that the lack of childcare was an "Exceptional" circumstance and this gave him the authority to do what he done. But what he did failed to follow the scientific advice which we have ALL been told to follow through this crisis.

The day after lockdown Dr Jenny Harries was asked a theoretical question at the daily number 10 Briefing, her is what she said.

The day after lockdown began, 24 March, the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, clarified who could look after a child if both parents or carers were incapacitated.

She said: "Clearly if you have adults who are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.

"And if the individuals do not have access to care support - formal care support - or to family, they will be able to work through their local authority hubs."


Now we ALL know we were told by the PM that WE MUST STAY AT HOME and in the exceptional situation where a young child could be left without access to care then you do not have access to care support or family you should work through the local authority. She did not say it was OK to travel 260 miles. No one yet has asked if he contacted his local authority to give them the heads up but let's face it he didn't even speak to his boss our Prime Minister. No he was off on a 260 mile jaunt to thr rest of the Cummings clan.

I won't even go into the jolly to Barnard Castle of his wife;s birthday but does anyone really believe he was testing his eyesight.

If he had said the other day that he was sorry but faced with the prospect of putting his child in the hands of social services or taking him close to his family in case the worst happened, and he chose his family and was sorry I think any reasonable person would say you know what "So would I".

There is no doubt this guy has broken lockdown rules and without an apology he should resign or better still the Prime Minister should sack his arse.

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

Many would look to do the best for their family and in particular their children but in my opinion Cummings did what was best for Cummings.

To start with he didn't even speak to his boss, our Prime Minister, he didn't even seek the advice or support of the Cabinet or any of the Scientific Experts within 10 Downing Street. Cummings decided in and excuse the pun "Isolation" to make his own arrangements and sod off to Durham with his family.

From the very outset of the lockdown the mantra was "Stay At Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives" but Cummings, a Senior Member of the 10 Downing Street Team, turned his back on ALL the advice he helped draw up and did what was best for the Cummings Clan.

He claims that the lack of childcare was an "Exceptional" circumstance and this gave him the authority to do what he done. But what he did failed to follow the scientific advice which we have ALL been told to follow through this crisis.

The day after lockdown Dr Jenny Harries was asked a theoretical question at the daily number 10 Briefing, her is what she said.

The day after lockdown began, 24 March, the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, clarified who could look after a child if both parents or carers were incapacitated.

She said: "Clearly if you have adults who are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.

"And if the individuals do not have access to care support - formal care support - or to family, they will be able to work through their local authority hubs."


Now we ALL know we were told by the PM that WE MUST STAY AT HOME and in the exceptional situation where a young child could be left without access to care then you do not have access to care support or family you should work through the local authority. She did not say it was OK to travel 260 miles. No one yet has asked if he contacted his local authority to give them the heads up but let's face it he didn't even speak to his boss our Prime Minister. No he was off on a 260 mile jaunt to thr rest of the Cummings clan.

I won't even go into the jolly to Barnard Castle of his wife;s birthday but does anyone really believe he was testing his eyesight.

If he had said the other day that he was sorry but faced with the prospect of putting his child in the hands of social services or taking him close to his family in case the worst happened, and he chose his family and was sorry I think any reasonable person would say you know what "So would I".

There is no doubt this guy has broken lockdown rules and without an apology he should resign or better still the Prime Minister should sack his arse.

so would I...………the people scared shitless of him were never going to say that.... don't understand how you wrote...or to family …...but then went on as if it hadn't be said...it had in fact quite a bit was said regarding child care problems at the time with emphasis far more on a bit of flexibility , common sense and whats best for the child not the version made up by those who had pre determined his guilt and have their very own set of laws that nobody has ever heard of....
and I really don't get this birthday thing...we have a 260 mile trip coming up, so im going to treat you to an extra trip past a castle first.... whats that about ?

Sajid Javid: Dominic Cummings' Durham trip was not justified

Tory former chancellor Sajid Javid said he does not believe Dominic Cummings' trip to County Durham was "necessary or justified".

In a letter to constituents seen by his local newspaper, the Bromsgrove Standard, Mr Javid wrote: "Mr Cummings has argued he acted within the letter of the law.

"As a father myself, I also appreciate the fear and uncertainty one can feel when the safety of your child is potentially at stake.

"That being said I do not believe Mr Cummings' journey to County Durham to isolate on his family's estate was necessary or justified. I remain unconvinced his visit to Barnard Castle could be considered reasonable.

"I was also deeply concerned by his decision to return to Downing Street directly after coming into contact with a family member who was ill, potentially with coronavirus."

The paper said Mr Javid, who quit as chancellor earlier this year following an escalation in tensions with Mr Cummings, wanted the aide to apologise for the choices he made over where to observe lockdown.

Many would look to do the best for their family and in particular their children but in my opinion Cummings did what was best for Cummings.

To start with he didn't even speak to his boss, our Prime Minister, he didn't even seek the advice or support of the Cabinet or any of the Scientific Experts within 10 Downing Street. Cummings decided in and excuse the pun "Isolation" to make his own arrangements and sod off to Durham with his family.

From the very outset of the lockdown the mantra was "Stay At Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives" but Cummings, a Senior Member of the 10 Downing Street Team, turned his back on ALL the advice he helped draw up and did what was best for the Cummings Clan.

He claims that the lack of childcare was an "Exceptional" circumstance and this gave him the authority to do what he done. But what he did failed to follow the scientific advice which we have ALL been told to follow through this crisis.

The day after lockdown Dr Jenny Harries was asked a theoretical question at the daily number 10 Briefing, her is what she said.

The day after lockdown began, 24 March, the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, clarified who could look after a child if both parents or carers were incapacitated.

She said: "Clearly if you have adults who are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.

"And if the individuals do not have access to care support - formal care support - or to family, they will be able to work through their local authority hubs."


Now we ALL know we were told by the PM that WE MUST STAY AT HOME and in the exceptional situation where a young child could be left without access to care then you do not have access to care support or family you should work through the local authority. She did not say it was OK to travel 260 miles. No one yet has asked if he contacted his local authority to give them the heads up but let's face it he didn't even speak to his boss our Prime Minister. No he was off on a 260 mile jaunt to thr rest of the Cummings clan.

I won't even go into the jolly to Barnard Castle of his wife;s birthday but does anyone really believe he was testing his eyesight.

If he had said the other day that he was sorry but faced with the prospect of putting his child in the hands of social services or taking him close to his family in case the worst happened, and he chose his family and was sorry I think any reasonable person would say you know what "So would I".

There is no doubt this guy has broken lockdown rules and without an apology he should resign or better still the Prime Minister should sack his arse.

Spot on again Gary. The advice was clear if there was no other option for child care if both parents were incapacitated (BTW there is no evidence this was ever the case) then the Cummings family should have done what everyone else would have been advised to do and sought help through the local authority.

The original OP question was would I have done the same as Cummings if my circumstances were the same?

The answer is NO I would have contacted my local authority.

100%
Did what any family man would do.

100%
Did what any family man would do.

So you would be happy to have a COVID-19 symptom suffer move into your locality and potentially putting your family at risk?

The whole idea of a lock down is to stop the virus from spreading.

No I didn’t my man and dad were able to offer this and they about 200 miles away. But I didn’t because we were told not to and I want to do my part however small it was in not helping spread the disease.

Would I have knowing what I know now, I would have given more consideration but probably not still as I’m not a self centred prick that thinks the rules don’t apply to me.

I am damn sure that if he had told Boris then you cant tell me that something would not be arranged with childcare, it is all absoute bollux the plaster does not fit on this sore

I am damn sure that if he had told Boris then you cant tell me that something would not be arranged with childcare, it is all absoute bollux the plaster does not fit on this sore

My thoughts.

Surely a man in his psoition has assess to better avenues than the one he took.

I am damn sure that if he had told Boris then you cant tell me that something would not be arranged with childcare, it is all absoute bollux the plaster does not fit on this sore

Exactly as I see it.

No. I haven't been to my West Wales home since the week before lockdown. Given the choice I would have rather gone through all this down there with my wife and also we would have felt a lot safer too.

I agree with the lockdown up to now but given the infection rate, downward slide on deaths and new cases as well as the large amount of capacity in hospital beds we're getting close to the point where the Welsh Government has to give the public something to look forward to, otherwise they will start to lose them.

The rules are a joke, if you own two houses you should have had two days to pick a house move to it and stay there.

Forget about the lies, spin and general Bullshit or your feeling on the tories, Brexit or Cummings

You know because you have access to the models, unadulterated data and “experts” (all experts have differing views and opinions) that London is at the world epicentre of the pandemic and on a steep curve, accept an offer from your parents for your young family to stay in a remote cottage at your parents farm and ride it out a few weeks ?

I accept that very few of us would be in that position, so let’s say a caravan in deepest west Wales away from the crowds ?

I am genuinely interested to know. Would you for political expediency potentially risk your family when you know you can reduce the risk? Or do you think it’s an honour thing, so you must lead from the front, come what may ? Does your job or salary with that job make a difference. Let’s say you are a sales rep who has be told you’ll need to work from home for the foreseeable future.

I know I would be gone. I’d speak to my boss, tell him my plans and pack the car.
Being in the government has very little to do with it for me, because I could be sacked or removed on a whim, it’s a precarious game.

100% you use common sense and do what is best for your family, that was allowed in the rules anyway. He should have owned up to the trip to the castle, that was against the rules, but of course, he gave grounds for the overreaction from his enemies.

No. I haven't been to my West Wales home since the week before lockdown. Given the choice I would have rather gone through all this down there with my wife and also we would have felt a lot safer too.

I agree with the lockdown up to now but given the infection rate, downward slide on deaths and new cases as well as the large amount of capacity in hospital beds we're getting close to the point where the Welsh Government has to give the public something to look forward to, otherwise they will start to lose them.

I totally disagree with the lockdown of the healthy.
Im all for protection of the old, frail and vulnerable.
I believe that the toll of deaths in the longterm would very easily outweigh the short to mid term, not to mention the extra hardship and mental health repercussions.
I do respect other views though.
I wasn't talking about holiday homes...I was talking about flouting the rules. EG I was walking out doors more than once a day when the guideline was once. Ive also visited my dad on many occasions. (exceptional circumstances?... I could argue the case) Yes ive flouted the rules and I believe many have.
Flouting is flouting...or does it matter how much we flout or is the real question here.....WHO flouts?
I'm actually enjoying having a decent discussion here.

I overheard my next door neighbour ranting across the dividing wall about Cummings yesterday morning... the same neighbour who has her brother over for Sunday dinner every week... and no doubt would be one of the 65% or whatever it is who have not flouted the rules if asked...so much hypocrisy its unreal..

Spot on most of the people moaning have flouted one rule or another, or are absolutely so shit scared they won't open a window.

Many would look to do the best for their family and in particular their children but in my opinion Cummings did what was best for Cummings.

To start with he didn't even speak to his boss, our Prime Minister, he didn't even seek the advice or support of the Cabinet or any of the Scientific Experts within 10 Downing Street. Cummings decided in and excuse the pun "Isolation" to make his own arrangements and sod off to Durham with his family.

From the very outset of the lockdown the mantra was "Stay At Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives" but Cummings, a Senior Member of the 10 Downing Street Team, turned his back on ALL the advice he helped draw up and did what was best for the Cummings Clan.

He claims that the lack of childcare was an "Exceptional" circumstance and this gave him the authority to do what he done. But what he did failed to follow the scientific advice which we have ALL been told to follow through this crisis.

The day after lockdown Dr Jenny Harries was asked a theoretical question at the daily number 10 Briefing, her is what she said.

The day after lockdown began, 24 March, the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, clarified who could look after a child if both parents or carers were incapacitated.

She said: "Clearly if you have adults who are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.

"And if the individuals do not have access to care support - formal care support - or to family, they will be able to work through their local authority hubs."


Now we ALL know we were told by the PM that WE MUST STAY AT HOME and in the exceptional situation where a young child could be left without access to care then you do not have access to care support or family you should work through the local authority. She did not say it was OK to travel 260 miles. No one yet has asked if he contacted his local authority to give them the heads up but let's face it he didn't even speak to his boss our Prime Minister. No he was off on a 260 mile jaunt to thr rest of the Cummings clan.

I won't even go into the jolly to Barnard Castle of his wife;s birthday but does anyone really believe he was testing his eyesight.

If he had said the other day that he was sorry but faced with the prospect of putting his child in the hands of social services or taking him close to his family in case the worst happened, and he chose his family and was sorry I think any reasonable person would say you know what "So would I".

There is no doubt this guy has broken lockdown rules and without an apology he should resign or better still the Prime Minister should sack his arse.

Spot on again Gary. The advice was clear if there was no other option for child care if both parents were incapacitated (BTW there is no evidence this was ever the case) then the Cummings family should have done what everyone else would have been advised to do and sought help through the local authority.

The original OP question was would I have done the same as Cummings if my circumstances were the same?

The answer is NO I would have contacted my local authority.

Yes put your kid in care that's a great option

Many would look to do the best for their family and in particular their children but in my opinion Cummings did what was best for Cummings.

To start with he didn't even speak to his boss, our Prime Minister, he didn't even seek the advice or support of the Cabinet or any of the Scientific Experts within 10 Downing Street. Cummings decided in and excuse the pun "Isolation" to make his own arrangements and sod off to Durham with his family.

From the very outset of the lockdown the mantra was "Stay At Home, Protect The NHS and Save Lives" but Cummings, a Senior Member of the 10 Downing Street Team, turned his back on ALL the advice he helped draw up and did what was best for the Cummings Clan.

He claims that the lack of childcare was an "Exceptional" circumstance and this gave him the authority to do what he done. But what he did failed to follow the scientific advice which we have ALL been told to follow through this crisis.

The day after lockdown Dr Jenny Harries was asked a theoretical question at the daily number 10 Briefing, her is what she said.

The day after lockdown began, 24 March, the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, clarified who could look after a child if both parents or carers were incapacitated.

She said: "Clearly if you have adults who are unable to look after a small child, that is an exceptional circumstance.

"And if the individuals do not have access to care support - formal care support - or to family, they will be able to work through their local authority hubs."


Now we ALL know we were told by the PM that WE MUST STAY AT HOME and in the exceptional situation where a young child could be left without access to care then you do not have access to care support or family you should work through the local authority. She did not say it was OK to travel 260 miles. No one yet has asked if he contacted his local authority to give them the heads up but let's face it he didn't even speak to his boss our Prime Minister. No he was off on a 260 mile jaunt to thr rest of the Cummings clan.

I won't even go into the jolly to Barnard Castle of his wife;s birthday but does anyone really believe he was testing his eyesight.

If he had said the other day that he was sorry but faced with the prospect of putting his child in the hands of social services or taking him close to his family in case the worst happened, and he chose his family and was sorry I think any reasonable person would say you know what "So would I".

There is no doubt this guy has broken lockdown rules and without an apology he should resign or better still the Prime Minister should sack his arse.

Spot on again Gary. The advice was clear if there was no other option for child care if both parents were incapacitated (BTW there is no evidence this was ever the case) then the Cummings family should have done what everyone else would have been advised to do and sought help through the local authority.

The original OP question was would I have done the same as Cummings if my circumstances were the same?

The answer is NO I would have contacted my local authority.

Yes put your kid in care that's a great option

I don't believe any of these would choose social services over family... lots of rubbing left arms while typing going on here.. and they call Cummings a liar..