Boris Johnson has rallied to defend his most senior adviser, following reports he went against government guidance by driving 400 kilometers to be with family while his wife had coronavirus symptoms
LONDON — Boris Johnson and his Cabinet have rallied to defend Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser, following reports he wentby driving 400 kilometers to be with family in March while his wife had coronavirus symptoms.
The prime minister has given Cummings"full support," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said Saturday, despite calls for his resignation from opposition parties. Speaking at Downing Street's daily press conference, Shapps insisted Cummings' decision to drive from London to Durham, in the north of England, at the end of March was appropriate because he was traveling to be close to extended family who could care for his child should he and his wife become too ill. Government guidelines say that those displaying symptoms should self-isolate at home for seven days and family members for 14 days. Asked whether Cummings' decision was within the guidelines, England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries declined to comment on the individual case but cited safeguarding issues, such as risks to vulnerable adults and children, as examples where"common sense" could be applied to the rules. "The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort, including being away from family in times of need"However, she added, public health guidance was"absolutely clear" that symptomatic people should"stay at home, take yourself out of society as quickly as you can and stay there unless there is that extreme risk to life." Cummings himself defended his actions, telling reporters outside his London home that he"behaved reasonably and legally ... It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys think," he said.
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