“I don’t regret what I did”: Dominic Cummings defends a 260-mile car trip during the coronavirus blockade

In an unprecedented move for a top political official, Cummings held his own press conference to respond to allegations that he had violated blockade restrictions by traveling from his London home to Durham family property in late March, and that his wife exhibited what appeared to be COVID. 19 symptoms.

Dressed in a white open-necked shirt, Cummings, opening his press conference more than half an hour late and speaking and answering questions for an hour, said he “behaved reasonably” in the best interest of his family. He said he made the trip so that he and his wife could get help caring for their 4-year-old son, which was not reasonably possible in London.

“I don’t regret what I did, I think what I did was reasonable under these circumstances. I can understand that some people who watch the media will be very upset. I understand the difficulties and the sacrifices that the country has gone through, “he said in response to a question from a reporter.

Cummings said he had not consulted the Prime Minister, who had coronavirus and would then be treated in an intensive care unit, about his decision, and that this could be considered a mistake.

“I did not ask the Prime Minister about the decision: he himself was sick and had big problems to solve,” he said.

Cummings said he gave a full account of his actions on Sunday to Johnson, who then asked him to repeat it today.

The Prime Minister’s chief political advisor added that he wanted to clear up any misunderstandings and confusion and, in retrospect, he should have made this statement earlier.

He said he had not offered to resign.

Ask Cummings to resign and explain that his actions have escalated after revelations that he traveled more than 260 miles to his parents’ home in Durham while his wife suffered from coronavirus symptoms and the country was locked up . Cummings said that he and his son fell ill in Durham and that the boy was eventually taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he stayed overnight but was negative for the coronavirus. He said that neither he nor his wife had been tested.

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At least 15 conservative supporters have called for the resignation of Cummings, and many argue that his actions have made it clear that there is one set of rules for the political elite and one for the public.

In a statement released on Monday, Durham’s acting commissioner for Durham police, crime and victims said Durham forces have so far handled the case in a proportionate and appropriate manner, but have written to the chief to ask him to establish the facts related to any “potential breach of law or regulation” on this matter at any time.

“It is clear, however, that there is a large amount of additional information circulating in the public domain that deserves special attention. Today, I wrote to the police chief asking him to establish the facts about any possible violation of the law or regulations in this matter at any time, “said White.