Would you have done what Cummings did ?

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 doubt very much under these circumstanes that would have been the case. The kid has autism and taking him away from the primary carers would have done more damage than good. The purpose of the local authority here would be to do what is best for the kid. If they felt he would be better off being cared by the grand parents in Durham then they would have arranged for transport for the child even if that meant Cummings driving the kid there like he did. At least Cummings would have had the authority to do it. Anyone else in his position would have been expected to go through the authorites so why not Cummings.

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 doubt very much under these circumstanes that would have been the case. The kid has autism and taking him away from the primary carers would have done more damage than good. The purpose of the local authority here would be to do what is best for the kid. If they felt he would be better off being cared by the grand parents in Durham then they would have arranged for transport for the child even if that meant Cummings driving the kid there like he did. At least Cummings would have had the authority to do it. Anyone else in his position would have been expected to go through the authorites so why not Cummings.

going through his local authority to clear obviously would have MAYBE given him a few ticks
reality mate.. most local authorities were already deluged with all sorts of care problems, in many instances still are.. and Cummings would be aware of this and in possession of a solution. given the choice I honestly doubt calling social services over heading for family would cross most normal peoples minds despite many claiming that's exactly what they would do . and call a spade a spade those calling him all sorts would call the local authority bit a lie or a put up job.. and continue saying he cowardly hid behind his kid ..is a selfish prick etc...
ive heard his reasoning for going to Durham... havent heard an alternative reason . so therefore why do so many not accept the one he is giving ?

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 doubt very much under these circumstanes that would have been the case. The kid has autism and taking him away from the primary carers would have done more damage than good. The purpose of the local authority here would be to do what is best for the kid. If they felt he would be better off being cared by the grand parents in Durham then they would have arranged for transport for the child even if that meant Cummings driving the kid there like he did. At least Cummings would have had the authority to do it. Anyone else in his position would have been expected to go through the authorites so why not Cummings.

going through his local authority to clear obviously would have MAYBE given him a few ticks
reality mate.. most local authorities were already deluged with all sorts of care problems, in many instances still are.. and Cummings would be aware of this and in possession of a solution. given the choice I honestly doubt calling social services over heading for family would cross most normal peoples minds despite many claiming that's exactly what they would do . and call a spade a spade those calling him all sorts would call the local authority bit a lie or a put up job.. and continue saying he cowardly hid behind his kid ..is a selfish prick etc...
ive heard his reasoning for going to Durham... havent heard an alternative reason . so therefore why do so many not accept the one he is giving ?

I'll agree with you about people not knowing about contacting the local authority. I knew about it as my daughter who has been in hospital for over a year got transferred to a unit about an hours drive away for me. She was transfered there with the clothes she had on and that was it. She asked me to drive over ot her with essentials. This happened like that minute so I called the hospital to find out why the sudden decision It was then after speaking to them they said I needed authority to go and see her. At the time I thought it was wise I had this authority but then I thought how many in my position would have driven there without the authority. I would imagine most through innocence though.

Regarding alternative options I just find it difficult to believe Cummings was lacking any. A man in his position woul dhave had plenty of options. The fact he just went about doing what he wanted after putting all of us under his ruling not too is what is getting to people Reminds me of the time I was in the military. This really got to me when I was told "Do as I say not what I do". Good job they only gave me rubber bullets.

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 doubt very much under these circumstanes that would have been the case. The kid has autism and taking him away from the primary carers would have done more damage than good. The purpose of the local authority here would be to do what is best for the kid. If they felt he would be better off being cared by the grand parents in Durham then they would have arranged for transport for the child even if that meant Cummings driving the kid there like he did. At least Cummings would have had the authority to do it. Anyone else in his position would have been expected to go through the authorites so why not Cummings.

going through his local authority to clear obviously would have MAYBE given him a few ticks
reality mate.. most local authorities were already deluged with all sorts of care problems, in many instances still are.. and Cummings would be aware of this and in possession of a solution. given the choice I honestly doubt calling social services over heading for family would cross most normal peoples minds despite many claiming that's exactly what they would do . and call a spade a spade those calling him all sorts would call the local authority bit a lie or a put up job.. and continue saying he cowardly hid behind his kid ..is a selfish prick etc...
ive heard his reasoning for going to Durham... havent heard an alternative reason . so therefore why do so many not accept the one he is giving ?

I'll agree with you about people not knowing about contacting the local authority. I knew about it as my daughter who has been in hospital for over a year got transferred to a unit about an hours drive away for me. She was transfered there with the clothes she had on and that was it. She asked me to drive over ot her with essentials. This happened like that minute so I called the hospital to find out why the sudden decision It was then after speaking to them they said I needed authority to go and see her. At the time I thought it was wise I had this authority but then I thought how many in my position would have driven there without the authority. I would imagine most through innocence though.

Regarding alternative options I just find it difficult to believe Cummings was lacking any. A man in his position woul dhave had plenty of options. The fact he just went about doing what he wanted after putting all of us under his ruling not too is what is getting to people Reminds me of the time I was in the military. This really got to me when I was told "Do as I say not what I do". Good job they only gave me rubber bullets.

no doubt he had options...but none of us know how good or bad for the child they were compared to the one he chose...

and have to say most of the do as I say not as I do has come from critics..im in the ive not got a child with special needs or know this child so therefore do not know what I would have done myself camp.. other than I do know I would have read the guide lines. something most critics clearly did not. or then understand them having read them.. and apart from the written guidelines at the time much was actually said about childrens care needs with a realisation that 1 size wasn't going to fit all..