‘THE JOURNEY made by Dominic Cummings to County Durham to isolate on his family estate was neither necessary or justified’ – that is the view of Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid who said the PM’s chief adviser should have made a full and frank apology for his actions.
And in a letter to constituents seen by The Standard, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer said: “The tremendous spirit in the face of adversity demonstrated by the public throughout this crisis has been sustained by an understanding that we are in this together and no-one is above the law.
“It is essential, therefore, that the rules are equally and consistently applied – regardless of status or privilege.”
He said he understood the strength of feeling about Mr Cummings’ behaviour and had passed the views of the people of Bromsgrove onto Downing Street.
“As a country we have sacrificed so much in order to protect those we care about.
“Many of my constituents have gone months without visiting friends and family, given up their livelihoods and lost loved ones in the most painful way imaginable – from a distance.
“We have done these things because we understand they are necessary for safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society.”
He said he thought it best to reserve judgement on Mr Cummings’ actions until now when ‘we were in possession of all the facts’ and until he was given the opportunity to explain himself.
“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.”
