Hello Craig, I somewhat agree, or disagree if you prefer, that the conference was on the side of plausible. It was very sanitized. It is regrettable that Cummings could not give the conference without reading a statement. Yet again, why was he giving a conference? Advisers to previous PMs have given interviews to the press, but a personal conference?
I do not know much about caring for autistic children but certainly do have first hand experience in caring for a very premature baby. It really is a heart-breaking time and I did, and would do so again, do anything to ensure the baby/young child is fine and has the care that is needed.
But the reason given for the trip to Durham was that the parents had/were coming down with coronavirus. A very frightening prospect indeed. Were they/he fit enough to drive up there? They also have family in London..... First question.
According to the guidance published by the government, it you were unable to look after a relative (regardless of their age), you should ring your Council's hub. Was this beneath Cummings? More than likely.
Hand in heart, I think they chose Durham because they though it was sufficiently far away from London so they could be safe (health-wise). Also, the open fields and lovely fresh air would help them.
Driving to Barnard Castle was really not necessary, even if it was to celebrate his wife's birthday. But to test his eyesight?????????????
Due to his lack of humility and empathy with other UK citizens, I think his conference was a failure. And I say this not because I dislike Cummings immensely, but am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, it is because he showed no contrition for what he did; if he really was trying to protect his son, that should have been stressed much more than it was.
What I find more depressing than anything, is that we need to discuss the actions of an adviser to this length and not our elected representatives. There again, it perhaps shows we are losing faith in all of them?
Ivonne Holliday ● 2145d