skynewspolitics--2020-05-23--PM offers Cummings his 'full support' - as Labour calls for inquiry

Dominic Cummings has the `` full support '' of Boris Johnson after it emerged the prime minister 's top aide travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown .
The PM has come under pressure to sack him after it was revealed he drove his wife and child to a family property in the North East after his spouse developed coronavirus-related symptoms .
Mr Cummings is facing fresh questions after allegations he made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown .
The Sunday Mirror and The Observer reported he was spotted near the home on 19 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographed in Downing Street , having returned to London from Durham .
Earlier on Saturday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing , said : `` I can tell you the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support . ''
Number 10 had already offered Mr Cummings its support in a statement on Saturday , stating that the aide 's actions `` were in line with coronavirus guidelines '' .
But Mr Shapps ' latest comments are an indication that the PM is sticking by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with helping secure him his landslide election victory in December .
The SNP has been calling for the Conservative Party leader to sack Mr Cummings .
The party and Labour have written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened .
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said in a letter : `` The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort , including being away from family in times of need .
`` It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been adhering to the same rules as everyone else . ''
The SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said : `` Boris Johnson must answer serious questions about his role in this incident and the cover-up - including when he found out , when he heard about the police action , why Mr Cummings was n't sacked immediately , and why he kept the public in the dark for eight weeks until a newspaper broke the story .
Mr Cummings , speaking to reporters outside his London home on Saturday , said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When a reporter suggested to him outside his London home that the trip to Durham did not look good , he replied : `` Who cares about good looks ?
`` It 's a question of doing the right thing .
It 's not about what you guys think . ''
Returning home later , Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied : `` Obviously not . ''
In a statement , a No 10 spokesman said : `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unwell , it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for .
`` His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed .
`` His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside .
`` At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter , as is being reported .
`` His actions were in line with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonably and legally . ''

Dominic Cummings has the "full support" of Boris Johnson after it emerged the prime minister's top aide travelled 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown.
The PM has come under pressure to sack him after it was revealed he drove his wife and child to a family property in the North East after his spouse developed coronavirus-related symptoms.
Mr Cummings is facing fresh questions after allegations he made a second trip to Durham during the lockdown.
The Sunday Mirror and the Observer reported he was spotted near the home on 19 April - a few days after he was photographed in Downing Street, having returned to London from Durham.
Earlier on Saturday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, speaking at the daily Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, said: "I can tell you the PM provides Mr Cummings with his full support."
Number 10 had already offered Mr Cummings its support in a statement on Saturday, stating that the aide's actions "were in line with coronavirus guidelines".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Cummings: 'I behaved reasonably and legally'
But Mr Shapps' latest comments are an indication that the PM is sticking by the controversial figure, who he credited with helping secure him his landslide election victory in December.
The SNP has been calling for the Conservative Party leader to sack Mr Cummings.
The party and Labour have written to Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill demanding an inquiry into what happened.
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Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves said in a letter: "The British people have made important and painful sacrifices to support the national effort, including being away from family in times of need.
"It is therefore vital that the Government can reassure the public that its most senior figures have been adhering to the same rules as everyone else."
The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: "Boris Johnson must answer serious questions about his role in this incident and the cover-up - including when he found out, when he heard about the police action, why Mr Cummings wasn't sacked immediately, and why he kept the public in the dark for eight weeks until a newspaper broke the story.
"Dominic Cummings' position is completely untenable."
Mr Cummings, speaking to reporters outside his London home on Saturday, said he had acted "reasonably and legally".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Shapps: Cummings needed 'necessary support'
When a reporter suggested to him outside his London home that the trip to Durham did not look good, he replied: "Who cares about good looks?
"It's a question of doing the right thing. It's not about what you guys think."
Returning home later, Mr Cummings was asked if he would resign and replied: "Obviously not."
In a statement, a No 10 spokesman said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Dr Jenny Harries: 'There is a safeguarding clause in the advice'
"His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.
"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.
"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-23--'COVID-19 crisis has brought us closer together' - N Ireland's political leaders

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland 's devolved government say their response to COVID-19 shows unionists and nationalists can work together .
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had been sharing power for just 10 weeks when confronted with the global coronavirus pandemic .
Mrs Foster , the DUP leader , said : `` We had to deal with that in a very fast time and I think we have shown we can work together in difficult times .
`` I 'm not saying it 's a good thing we 've had a global pandemic but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together and that we can work together in the way that we have , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill , who disagreed on the timing of school closures at the start of the crisis , dismissed it as `` a difference of emphasis but not necessarily in approach '' .
The Sinn Fein leader at Stormont said : `` Executive colleagues have worked very closely together to try to chart our way through this as best we can with that one objective , to try to save lives . ''
Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passionate about Irish unity but they insist their polar-opposite views on the constitutional question are no hindrance to their political partnership .
The DUP leader said : `` Michelle and I come from completely different political backgrounds , we have different political philosophies but there are things that we share in common .
`` It 's the common ground which we 've been trying to concentrate on during this crisis and indeed throughout the devolved experience and that 's what 's driving us . ''
`` We will differ from time to time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrase 'to differ but to differ well ' and I think that is the key to all of this , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill agreed : `` I believe the past number of months , because of COVID-19 probably , has brought us all closer together in so far as we are having to work around the clock to take this on .
`` When I walk through the door of the Assembly or the Executive , I do n't cease to be a republican but I 'm here as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm here to try to make it work .
`` Neither of us is going to cease to have that view , it 's legitimate for us both to have that view but it 's our job to govern for people here . ''
`` Whilst I make the case of Irish unity and Arlene will make the case for maintaining the link with Britain , that 's just politics , '' she added .
Ms O'Neill revealed that both their mothers had been admitted to hospital in recent weeks and said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Sometimes people think politicians are a people apart , that somehow we live a different reality , our reality 's the same as everybody else 's . ''
When asked what she was finding difficult about lockdown , Mrs Foster conceded : `` I miss my hairdresser… and I miss congregational singing in church . ''

The joint leaders of Northern Ireland's devolved government say their response to COVID-19 shows unionists and nationalists can work together.
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill had been sharing power for just 10 weeks when confronted with the global coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Foster, the DUP leader, said in an interview aired on Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We had to deal with that in a very fast time and I think we have shown we can work together in difficult times.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:51 Foster: We need to prevent a second spike in NI
"I'm not saying it's a good thing we've had a global pandemic but I think it shows that we have come together and that we can work together in the way that we have," she added.
Ms O'Neill, who disagreed on the timing of school closures at the start of the crisis, dismissed it as "a difference of emphasis but not necessarily in approach".
The Sinn Fein leader at Stormont told Sky News: "Executive colleagues have worked very closely together to try to chart our way through this as best we can with that one objective, to try to save lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Power-sharing resumes in NI Assembly
Mrs Foster is staunchly pro-Union and Ms O'Neill passionate about Irish unity but they insist their polar-opposite views on the constitutional question are no hindrance to their political partnership.
The DUP leader said: "Michelle and I come from completely different political backgrounds, we have different political philosophies but there are things that we share in common.
Image: Mrs Foster is staunchly pro-Union
"It's the common ground which we've been trying to concentrate on during this crisis and indeed throughout the devolved experience and that's what's driving us."
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"We will differ from time to time. I think Michelle has used the phrase 'to differ but to differ well' and I think that is the key to all of this," she added.
Ms O'Neill agreed: "I believe the past number of months, because of COVID-19 probably, has brought us all closer together in so far as we are having to work around the clock to take this on.
Image: Ms O'Neill is passionate about Irish unity
"When I walk through the door of the Assembly or the Executive, I don't cease to be a republican but I'm here as a partner in a power-sharing government. I'm here to try to make it work.
"Neither of us is going to cease to have that view, it's legitimate for us both to have that view but it's our job to govern for people here."
"Whilst I make the case of Irish unity and Arlene will make the case for maintaining the link with Britain, that's just politics," she added.
Ms O'Neill revealed that both their mothers had been admitted to hospital in recent weeks and said they had worries like everyone else.
She said: "Sometimes people think politicians are a people apart, that somehow we live a different reality, our reality's the same as everybody else's."
When asked what she was finding difficult about lockdown, Mrs Foster conceded: "I miss my hairdresser… and I miss congregational singing in church."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--Minister says claims Cummings broke lockdown twice are 'completely untrue'

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told Sky News claims Boris Johnson 's top adviser broke the lockdown twice are `` completely untrue '' .
Dominic Cummings - who was spotted going into Number 10 just before midday - had already admitted that he drove 260 miles from London to Durham with his wife and young son in late March to self-isolate at a family property despite strict restrictions against long-distance journeys .
Now , the Sunday Mirror and The Observer claim the prime minister 's right-hand man made a second trip to Durham and was seen there by a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five days after being photographed in Downing Street on his return to Westminster .
Mr Shapps said accusations Mr Cummings `` travelled backwards and forwards '' are `` completely untrue '' , and since returning to London on 14 April , the PM 's most senior adviser had stayed put in the capital .
He told Sophy Ridge on Sunday : `` I certainly know that the first one you mention , of travelling back up ( to Durham ) , I know that is not true .
`` I 'm afraid I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) but if that date was true that would have been outside the 14-day period .
But I 'm afraid I do n't have the information on that .
`` But I do know it is not the case that he has travelled backwards and forwards , which seemed to be a major part of the stories I saw in the paper today . ''
Mr Shapps said Mr Cummings was `` trying to do his best '' by his four-year-old son who was `` in danger of having both his parents fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Durham , Mr Cummings `` took perfectly sensible and rational steps '' and `` tried to position himself where there was some family support '' .
`` There are all kinds of things that are being said here that are completely untrue , '' he said .
`` The basic story is actually pretty straightforward .
Husband and wife were ill , they hunker down , they look after their four-year-old and they do n't move until they are better .
`` And coming back down to London afterwards , they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always allowed as well . ''
According to Government guidance , households should self-isolate for 14 days if someone in the family has coronavirus symptoms .
Cracks are beginning to show in the protective ring Number 10 has thrown around Dominic Cummings .
Backbench Tory MPs - some long-time critics of the controversial adviser , some not - are breaking ranks .
The pressure could be insurmountable for Boris Johnson if that overt anger spreads into the cabinet .
Senior scientific advisers , less in hock to the Downing Street machine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical objectivity to placate powerful political figures .
Then there is the risk of public faith in the lockdown measures crumbling .
The government explicitly denied today Mr Cummings made a second trip to Durham .
But the damage may already be done .
Their self-isolate message watered down to protect one unelected but apparently invaluable adviser .
In the latest allegations , Mr Cummings was reportedly spotted by a member of public in Houghall Woods near his parents ' Durham home on 19 April .
And a week earlier , the papers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 30 miles away from the city , during the period he was believed to be self-isolating .
No photographic evidence has been published , and the reports are based on the testimonies of two eyewitness .
Facing further uncomfortable questions from Ridge about what Mr Cummings did do , Mr Shapps continued to struggle to give the details .
`` I do n't have all the times and dates for you but I understand he will have travelled up there towards the end of March and stayed there , remained there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property and isolation , as per the rules and guidance , '' he said .
Number 10 's version of events on Saturday night contradicted an earlier statement released by Durham Police .
Officers were tipped off by a member of the public that Mr Cummings was staying with his parents .
But Downing Street insists Mr Cummings stayed in a separate property , and that his sister shopped for the family and left everything outside the door .
The police force 's initial response to the allegations on Friday said officers explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around `` self-isolation '' and reiterated the `` appropriate advice around essential travel '' .
But in a second statement Durham Police said officers provided advice about `` security issues '' .
Mr Shapps said there appeared to be some `` confusion '' and that the conversation Mr Cummings 's father had with Durham Police did not relate to his son 's travel from London .
He said : `` I think it was , in fact , Mr Cummings 's father who contacted the police , not the other way round .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ security advice , which you 'll appreciate the family do n't want to go into - not about this specific issue . ''
Asked whether the Prime Minister knew his top aide was in Durham self-isolating , Mr Shapps added : `` I do n't actually know whether the Prime Minister tracks every single move of Dominic Cummings .
`` I think he knew that Dominic Cummings was ill and self-isolating , which is exactly what he was doing with his wife and his child . ''

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has told Sky News claims Boris Johnson's top adviser broke the lockdown twice are "completely untrue".
Dominic Cummings - who was spotted going into Number 10 just before midday - had already admitted that he drove 260 miles from London to Durham with his wife and young son in late March to self-isolate at a family property despite strict restrictions against long-distance journeys.
Now, the Sunday Mirror and The Observer claim the prime minister's right-hand man made a second trip to Durham and was seen there by a member of the public on 19 April - five days after being photographed in Downing Street on his return to Westminster.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'I behaved reasonably and legally'
Mr Shapps said accusations Mr Cummings "travelled backwards and forwards" are "completely untrue", and since returning to London on 14 April, the PM's most senior adviser had stayed put in the capital.
He told Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "I certainly know that the first one you mention, of travelling back up (to Durham), I know that is not true.
"I'm afraid I don't know (about Barnard Castle) but if that date was true that would have been outside the 14-day period. But I'm afraid I don't have the information on that.
"But I do know it is not the case that he has travelled backwards and forwards, which seemed to be a major part of the stories I saw in the paper today."
Mr Shapps said Mr Cummings was "trying to do his best" by his son who was "in danger of having both his parents fall ill".
He said by travelling to Durham, Mr Cummings "took perfectly sensible and rational steps" and "tried to position himself where there was some family support".
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"There are all kinds of things that are being said here that are completely untrue," he said.
"The basic story is actually pretty straightforward. Husband and wife were ill, they hunker down, they look after their four-year-old and they don't move until they are better.
"And coming back down to London afterwards, they would have been travelling for essential work which is always allowed as well."
According to government guidance, households should self-isolate for 14 days if someone in the family has coronavirus symptoms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Cummings denies going to Durham a second time
Analysis: Govt stance puts at risk public faith in lockdown measures
By Rob Powell, political correspondent
Cracks are beginning to show in the protective ring Number 10 has thrown around Dominic Cummings.
Backbench Tory MPs - some long-time critics of the controversial adviser, some not - are breaking ranks.
The pressure could be insurmountable for Boris Johnson if that overt anger spreads into the cabinet.
Senior scientific advisers, less in hock to the Downing Street machine, may also be worried about eroding their clinical objectivity to placate powerful political figures.
Then there is the risk of public faith in the lockdown measures crumbling.
The government explicitly denied today Mr Cummings made a second trip to Durham.
But the damage may already be done.
Their self-isolate message watered down to protect one unelected but apparently invaluable adviser.
In the latest allegations, Mr Cummings was reportedly spotted by a member of public in Houghall Woods near his parents' Durham home on 19 April.
And a week earlier, the papers allege he was seen in Barnard Castle, 30 miles away from the city, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.
No photographic evidence has been published, and the reports are based on the testimonies of two eyewitness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Van plays 'stay home' video outside Cummings's house
Facing further uncomfortable questions from Ridge about what Mr Cummings did do, Mr Shapps continued to struggle to give the details.
"I don't have all the times and dates for you but I understand he will have travelled up there towards the end of March and stayed there, remained there for 14 days, didn't leave the property and isolation, as per the rules and guidance," he said.
Number 10's version of events on Saturday night contradict an earlier statement released by Durham Police.
Officers were tipped off by a member of the public that Mr Cummings was staying with his parents.
But Downing Street insists Mr Cummings stayed in a separate property, and that his sister shopped for the family and left everything outside the door.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Eyewitness claims he saw Cummings on April 12
The police force's initial response to the allegations on Friday said officers explained to Mr Cummings's family the guidelines around "self-isolation" and reiterated the "appropriate advice around essential travel".
But in a second statement Durham Police said officers provided advice about "security issues".
Mr Shapps said there appeared to be some "confusion" and that the conversation Mr Cummings's father had with Durham Police did not relate to his son's travel from London.
He said: "I think it was, in fact, Mr Cummings's father who contacted the police, not the other way round.
"And it was in reference to security advice, which you'll appreciate the family don't want to go into - not about this specific issue."
Asked whether the prime minister knew his top aide was in Durham self-isolating, Mr Shapps added: "I don't actually know whether the prime minister tracks every single move of Dominic Cummings.
"I think he knew that Dominic Cummings was ill and self-isolating, which is exactly what he was doing with his wife and his child."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'People are rightly angry with Cummings'
The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford, who has echoed calls by acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey for the PM to sack Mr Cummings, told Sky News the government has been "too slow" in dealing with the fallout.
"He should have gone well before now," he said.
Labour said if everybody in the country had followed Mr Cummings's example, the rate of transmission of the virus would not have slowed.
Shadow policing minister Sarah Jones told Ridge: "If everybody had decided to break the rules then we wouldn't have brought this infection rate down.
"And when we heard the prime minister, we heard him say 'stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives' - he didn't say 'or drive 260 miles to Durham if you think that's the right thing to do'."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-23--New claims against Cummings force Downing Street to change tack

For most of Saturday , Downing Street tried to frame events as one individual 's private and difficult decision about what to do with a four-year-old when both parents potentially have coronavirus .
The opposition maintain this is a tale about hypocrisy : a story about one rule for those in the citadel of power and another for the masses .
Framing which is ironic , perhaps , given Dominic Cummings - the senior adviser to Boris Johnson , the man who directed Vote Leave and the person at the centre of this furore - has made a career of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the views of the wider population .
It is no doubt uncomfortable for him to switch sides so abruptly , as demonstrated by a YouGov poll that found 52 % saying he should resign as a senior adviser to the PM .
On Saturday night , Number 10 changed tack in the face of reports in the Mirror and Observer of a second trip to Durham during the lockdown .
Having defended Mr Cumming 's reasonableness , now the goal is to denigrate the messenger and all those that carry the claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have heard Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at the press conference confirm that Mr Cummings did indeed travel 260 miles at the height of the lockdown , now Number 10 's line is that Friday night 's reports are in some ways inaccurate .
And Number 10 maintain that fresh allegations about a second visit contain some falsehoods , although they will not stoop to point out what they are .
`` We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers , '' Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings 's aides have judged they do not want to get tangled up in the detail of timelines , eyewitness accounts and an incriminating number plate , and instead are appealing to their natural allies in politics and the wider public to fight for their team .
In doing so , channelling the very essence of the culture wars .
One wonders about the private reflections of some members of the cabinet like Rishi Sunak or Matt Hancock who tweeted in support of Mr Cummings , before the fresh allegations surfaced .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference that Mr Cummings was `` staying put , in one place , with his family '' .
Or about the views of Mr Cummings among those brave cabinet ministers who did not take to Twitter to clear his name : Ben Wallace , the defence secretary , Therese Coffey , the work and pensions secretary , and Simon Hart , the Welsh secretary , to name three conspicuously absent from the loyalty test .
Fewest marks of all go to those cabinet ministers like Priti Patel and Gavin Williamson who chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not put views in their own words , thereby sitting on the fence ready to come down on either side depending on events .
Or perhaps they are the swing voters in this drama , who could force Mr Johnson to sack Mr Cummings if new facts emerge that make his position less tenable .
At its heart of this story lies the mercurial figure of Mr Cummings , and his mystical power at the apex of Mr Johnson 's powerful government , with its 80-strong mandate and programme for dramatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson depend on him too much ?
Does he wield more power than cabinet ministers ?
Can the PM cope without him ?
And separately , the baffling question alongside that seems to be dogging the coronavirus scandal : why do people who dial into meetings of the elite government scientific advisory group SAGE find it so hard to obey the government 's rules which they help set ?

For most of Saturday, Downing Street tried to frame events as one individual's private and difficult decision about what to do with a four-year-old when both parents potentially have coronavirus.
The opposition maintain this is a tale about hypocrisy: a story about one rule for those in the citadel of power and another for the masses.
Framing which is ironic, perhaps, given Dominic Cummings - the senior adviser to Boris Johnson, the man who directed Vote Leave and the person at the centre of this furore - has made a career of chiding the elite about their ignorance of the views of the wider population.
It is no doubt uncomfortable for him to switch sides so abruptly, as demonstrated by a YouGov poll that found 52% saying he should resign as a senior adviser to the PM.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Cummings 'obviously not' going to resign
On Saturday night, Number 10 changed tack in the face of reports in the Mirror and Observer of a second trip to Durham during the lockdown.
Having defended Mr Cumming's reasonableness, now the goal is to denigrate the messenger and all those that carry the claims of rule breaking.
Even though the nation will have heard Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at the press conference confirm that Mr Cummings did indeed travel 260 miles at the height of the lockdown, now Number 10's line is that Friday night's reports are in some ways inaccurate.
And Number 10 maintain that fresh allegations about a second visit contain some falsehoods, although they will not stoop to point out what they are.
"We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers," Number 10 said in a statement.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Shapps: Cummings needed 'necessary support'
Mr Cummings's aides have judged they do not want to get tangled up in the detail of timelines, eyewitness accounts and an incriminating number plate, and instead are appealing to their natural allies in politics and the wider public to fight for their team.
In doing so, channelling the very essence of the culture wars.
One wonders about the private reflections of some members of the cabinet like Rishi Sunak or Matt Hancock who tweeted in support of Mr Cummings, before the fresh allegations surfaced.
Or Mr Shapps himself, who told the press conference that Mr Cummings was "staying put, in one place, with his family".
Or about the views of Mr Cummings among those brave cabinet ministers who did not take to Twitter to clear his name: Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, Therese Coffey, the work and pensions secretary, and Simon Hart, the Welsh secretary, to name three conspicuously absent from the loyalty test.
Fewest marks of all go to those cabinet ministers like Priti Patel and Gavin Williamson who chose to retweet the support voiced by others, but not put views in their own words, thereby sitting on the fence ready to come down on either side depending on events.
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Or perhaps they are the swing voters in this drama, who could force Mr Johnson to sack Mr Cummings if new facts emerge that make his position less tenable.
At its heart of this story lies the mercurial figure of Mr Cummings, and his mystical power at the apex of Mr Johnson's powerful government, with its 80-strong mandate and programme for dramatic reform.
Is he unsackable? Does Mr Johnson depend on him too much? Does he wield more power than cabinet ministers? Can the PM cope without him?
And separately, the baffling question alongside that seems to be dogging the coronavirus scandal: why do people who dial into meetings of the elite government scientific advisory group SAGE find it so hard to obey the government's rules which they help set?


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--Cummings acted 'responsibly and legally': PM backs his top aide

Boris Johnson has stuck by his top aide Dominic Cummings , saying he `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent '' and `` I do not mark him down for that '' .
The prime minister insisted his special adviser had `` acted responsibly and legally and with integrity '' after facing criticism for travelling from London to Durham during lockdown .
Mr Cummings was called into 10 Downing Street earlier on Sunday following reports he went into self-isolation at his family 's farm 260 miles away with his child and wife , who had COVID-19 symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for him to be sacked for the journey that came while Britons were being told to `` stay at home '' to stop the virus spreading at the end of March .
But at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Mr Johnson said after `` extensive face-to-face conversations '' with Mr Cummings , he concluded the former Vote Leave boss `` had no alternative '' but to make the trip .
He added that Mr Cummings had been `` travelling to find the right kind of childcare , at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about to be incapacitated by coronavirus '' .
Mr Johnson acknowledged the damage the allegations had the potential to do .
He said the `` big question '' being asked was `` is this government asking you - the people , the public - to do one thing , while senior people here in government do something else ? ''
`` Have we been asking you to make sacrifices , to obey social distancing - stay at home - while some people have been basically flouting those rules and endangering lives ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his top adviser over the weekend were `` because I take this matter so seriously '' .
Questions still loom over Mr Cummings ' movements after a witness claimed to have spotted him 30 miles from his family 's farm walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle on 12 April , during the period he was believed to be self-isolating .
Robin Lees , a retired chemistry teacher , told Sky News he spotted Mr Cummings on that occasion and wrote down a `` distinctive '' number plate .
Mr Cummings was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public in Houghall Woods near Durham home on 19 April .
Mr Johnson did not directly dispute the two other allegations about Mr Cummings when they were put to him by a journalist at the news conference .
The prime minister said he had `` looked at them carefully '' and was `` content that at all times throughout his period in isolation ... he behaved responsibly and correctly and with a view to defeating the virus '' .
A statement by Durham Police , who say they spoke to Mr Cummings ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's claim the family was not contacted by officers .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who has called for an inquiry , said Sunday 's briefing was `` a test of the prime minister and he has failed it '' .
`` It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings , '' he said in a statement .
`` The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the prime minister 's closest adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The prime minister 's actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time .
`` Millions were watching for answers and they got nothing . ''
One Tory MP - David Warbuton - said after the news conference that he was `` unconvinced '' by the prime minister 's defence .
A former Downing Street adviser until December 2019 , Tim Montgomerie , also told Sky News he was `` incredibly disappointed '' and criticised a `` terrible failure on the part of government '' , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration falling apart like a game of Jenga .
Number 10 is `` like a ship with a massive hole in the bottom , leaking water at a rapid rate '' and Mr Johnson has `` just put a bigger hole in the boat '' , he reflected .
A tweet from the official UK civil service account posted just after the news conference said : `` Arrogant and offensive .
Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters ? ''
It was later deleted and a government spokesperson said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigated '' .
This was a big decision for Boris Johnson , a bold call to wholeheartedly back his chief adviser .
The prime minister argued that Dominic Cummings `` acted responsibly and legally '' and `` followed the instincts of every father '' .
Yet Mr Johnson looked uncomfortable at today 's news conference and avoided answering key questions from journalists , including claims that Mr Cummings made a day trip from Durham to Barnard Castle at the height of the lockdown .
It makes one thing abundantly clear : Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose at such a critical time for the government and the country .
Today 's news conference was painful , but it seems sacking him would have been a far bigger wrench for the PM .
As one minister told me earlier : `` Nobody could have got us through the last year like [ Dominic Cummings ] did '' , in particular in making Brexit happen .
The danger for Boris Johnson is that this episode has consequences far beyond Westminster : and threatens the public 's willingness to follow the government @ @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson has stuck by his top aide Dominic Cummings, saying he "followed the instincts of every father and every parent" and "I do not mark him down for that".
The prime minister insisted his special adviser had "acted responsibly and legally and with integrity" after facing criticism for travelling from London to Durham during lockdown.
Mr Cummings was called into 10 Downing Street earlier on Sunday following reports he went into self-isolation at his family's farm 260 miles away with his child and wife, who had COVID-19 symptoms.
Image: Mr Cummings smiled as he left Downing Street with his job safe
A growing number of Tory MPs called for him to be sacked for the journey that came while Britons were being told to "stay at home" to stop the virus spreading at the end of March.
But at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Johnson said after "extensive face-to-face conversations" with Mr Cummings, he concluded the former Vote Leave boss "had no alternative" but to make the trip.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:30 Tory MP Peter Bone on Cummings: He's got to go
He added that Mr Cummings had been "travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus".
Mr Johnson acknowledged the damage the allegations had the potential to do.
He said the "big question" being asked was "is this government asking you - the people, the public - to do one thing, while senior people here in government do something else?"
"Have we been asking you to make sacrifices, to obey social distancing - stay at home - while some people have been basically flouting those rules and endangering lives?"
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 A look at the picturesque town of Barnard Castle Cummings allegedly visited
The prime minister explained his conversations with his top adviser over the weekend were "because I take this matter so seriously".
Questions still loom over Mr Cummings' movements after a witness claimed to have spotted him 30 miles from his family's farm walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle on 12 April, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.
Robin Lees, a retired chemistry teacher, told Sky News he spotted Mr Cummings on that occasion and wrote down a "distinctive" number plate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Police officers arrive at Mr Cummings' London home
Mr Cummings was also reportedly spotted by another member of public in Houghall Woods near Durham home on 19 April.
Mr Johnson did not directly dispute the two other allegations about Mr Cummings when they were put to him by a journalist at the news conference.
The prime minister said he had "looked at them carefully" and was "content that at all times throughout his period in isolation... he behaved responsibly and correctly and with a view to defeating the virus".
A statement by Durham Police, who say they spoke to Mr Cummings' family, also conflicts with Downing Street's claim the family was not contacted by officers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules' - Tory MP Steve Baker
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who has called for an inquiry, said Sunday's briefing was "a test of the prime minister and he has failed it".
"It is an insult to sacrifices made by the British people that Boris Johnson has chosen to take no action against Dominic Cummings," he said in a statement.
Image: Sir Keir said the PM had 'undermined confidence in his own public health message'
"The public will be forgiven for thinking there is one rule for the prime minister's closest adviser and another for the British people.
"The prime minister's actions have undermined confidence in his own public health message at this crucial time.
"Millions were watching for answers and they got nothing."
One Tory MP - David Warbuton - said after the news conference that he was "unconvinced" by the prime minister's defence.
Image: Britons were told to 'stay at home' to 'protect the NHS' and 'save lives'
A former Downing Street adviser until December 2019, Tim Montgomerie, also told Sky News he was "incredibly disappointed" and criticised a "terrible failure on the part of government", adding sacking Mr Cummings would risk the whole administration falling apart like a game of Jenga.
Number 10 is "like a ship with a massive hole in the bottom, leaking water at a rapid rate" and Mr Johnson has "just put a bigger hole in the boat", he reflected.
A tweet from the official UK civil service account posted just after the news conference said: "Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine having to work with these truth twisters?"
It was later deleted and a government spokesperson said the "unauthorised tweet" is being "investigated".
Image: The tweet attacking 'truth twisters' was deleted and under investigation
Analysis by Joe Pike, political correspondent
This was a big decision for Boris Johnson, a bold call to wholeheartedly back his chief adviser.
The prime minister argued that Dominic Cummings "acted responsibly and legally" and "followed the instincts of every father".
Yet Mr Johnson looked uncomfortable at today's news conference and avoided answering key questions from journalists, including claims that Mr Cummings made a day trip from Durham to Barnard Castle at the height of the lockdown.
It makes one thing abundantly clear: Mr Cummings is too valuable for Boris Johnson to lose at such a critical time for the government and the country.
Today's news conference was painful, but it seems sacking him would have been a far bigger wrench for the PM.
As one minister told me earlier: "Nobody could have got us through the last year like [Dominic Cummings] did", in particular in making Brexit happen.
The danger for Boris Johnson is that this episode has consequences far beyond Westminster: and threatens the public's willingness to follow the government's public health advice.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--The populist PM is now looking out of touch for standing by his chief adviser

We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected : Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings .
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules , the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings ' own human shield instead .
And it has wounded him and his government - not just politically but in substantive policy terms too .
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis , the decision to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules .
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not ?
`` Trashing '' all the lockdown advice in a `` few short minutes '' is how Professor Stephen Reicher , a member of the government 's advisory group of behavioural science , put it on Sunday night .
Ministers worry that it could mean the R number begins to rise , bringing in turn more cases , more deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic , social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable .
And in political terms , the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public .
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was `` the PM 's authority with the British people draining away in front of my very eyes '' .
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much , with such contempt , '' they said .
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their political masters .
But Mr Johnson has clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fight not yet won .
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go , while behind the scenes there are many more demanding expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips .
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party : the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for Mr Cummings to go .
What Number 10 had framed as an attack on it by `` campaigning newspapers '' is morphing into something else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This was meant to be the people 's government .
Mr Cummings ' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM .
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people .
Whether he wins or loses this battle , he is already paying the price .

Whether the PM wins or loses for supporting his top aide after he broke lockdown rules, he is paying the price, Beth Rigby writes.
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings
We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected: Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings.
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules, the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings' own human shield instead.
And it has wounded him and his government - not just politically but in substantive policy terms too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis, the decision to defend Mr Cummings' 260-mile trip to Durham to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules.
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not?
"Trashing" all the lockdown advice in a "few short minutes" is how Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the government's advisory group of behavioural science, put it on Sunday night.
Ministers worry that it could mean the R number begins to rise, bringing in turn more cases, more deaths and even a second wave; the economic, social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable.
And in political terms, the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public.
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was "the PM's authority with the British people draining away in front of my very eyes".
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Image: Dominic Cummings went to his parents' house in Durham from London
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling up with emails from furious constituents.
"Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much, with such contempt," they said.
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their political masters.
But Mr Johnson has clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose and moving on.
But this is a fight not yet won.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Police officers at Dominic Cummings' home
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go, while behind the scenes there are many more expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips.
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party: the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for Mr Cummings to go.
What Number 10 had framed as an attack on it by "campaigning newspapers" is morphing into something else entirely.
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This was meant to be the people's government.
Mr Cummings' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM.
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people. Whether he wins or loses this battle, he is already paying the price.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--Govt scientists: PM 'has trashed all the advice we have given'

Scientists who have been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis have accused the prime minister of `` trashing '' the advice they have given to help curb the outbreak .
Members of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours ( SPI-B ) hit out at Boris Johnson , after he backed Dominic Cummings ' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents ' house in the North East during lockdown .
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government 's emergency panel SAGE ( Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ) .
Professor Stephen Reicher , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter : `` As one of those involved in SPI-B , the government advisory group on behavioural science , I can say that in a few short minutes tonight , Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19 .
`` Be open and honest , we said .
Trashed .
Respect the public , we said .
Trashed Ensure equity , so everyone is treated the same , we said .
Trashed .
Be consistent we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all in it together ' .
Trashed . ''
He added : `` It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which does n't want to listen to science .
I hope , however , that the public will read our papers ( publicly available ) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense . ''
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie - backed the comments .
Prof West said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM 's chief aide .
`` The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister , it is for our friends and families ' sake so the rules are really , really important , '' he said .
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , to give his own briefings independently from the cabinet in the future .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CMO_England @ uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @ BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I 'd say this but do n't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The row over Mr Cummings ' trip to Durham for childcare reasons in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations .
Number 10 said the aide travelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North East , as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time .
Despite widespread calls for Mr Cummings ' sacking , the prime minister has stuck by him , saying during a press briefing on Sunday he had acted with `` integrity '' .

A scientist who has been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis has said the row over Dominic Cummings has undermined efforts to fight the pandemic - and "more people are going to die" as a result.
The comments by Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), came after Boris Johnson backed Mr Cummings' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents' house in the North East during lockdown.
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government's emergency panel SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).
Prof Reicher told Good Morning Britain: "If you look at the research it shows the reason why people observed lockdown was not for themselves, it wasn't because they were personally at risk, they did it for the community, they did it because of a sense of 'we're all in this together'.
"If you give the impression there's one rule for them and one rule for us, you fatally undermine that sense of 'we're all in this together' and you undermine adherence to the forms of behaviour which have got us through this crisis."
He added: "The real issue here is that because of these actions, because of undermining trust in the government, because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow, people are going to die.
"More people are going to die."
Mr Johnson said on Sunday that Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" after his chief adviser admitted travelling to Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms.
Following Mr Johnson's comments, Prof Reicher wrote on Twitter: "As one of those involved in SPI-B, the government advisory group on behavioural science, I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.
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"Be open and honest, we said. Trashed. Respect the public, we said. Trashed. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. Trashed. Be consistent we said. Trashed. Make clear 'we are all in it together'. Trashed."
He added: "It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which doesn't want to listen to science. I hope, however, that the public will read our papers (publicly available) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:49 PM defends Dominic Cummings
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie - backed the comments.
Prof West said it was imperative the public did not abandon social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM's chief aide.
"The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister, it is for our friends and families' sake so the rules are really, really important," he said.
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, to give his own briefings independently from the cabinet in the future.
She wrote: "I hope that @CMO_England @uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I'd say this but don't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty."
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The row over Mr Cummings' trip in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations. Calls for Mr Cummings' resignation have mounted over the weekend.
Number 10 said the aide travelled to be near his family in the North East, as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made "absolutely clear" to the prime minister that "at no stage did he break the law or break the rules" and Mr Johnson "agreed with the assessment".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-24--PM: Schools reopening will be tough but we can help

The prime minister has admitted it will be `` tough '' to reopen schools at the start of next month but has pledged to work with English councils to ease the process .
Boris Johnson , who replaced Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick at the Downing Street briefing on Sunday , acknowledged the planned reopening date of 1 June may not be possible for all schools but remained committed to it .
During the press conference , which was hosted by the PM after his top aide Dominic Cummings came under fire for allegedly breaking lockdown rules , Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is going to be tough .
`` What we will do is make sure that we stagger things , we pace things and we work directly with you , with local authorities , to make sure that there is a plan . ''
He said the key to fully reopening schools by September `` at the very latest '' is to `` keep pushing down '' the coronavirus R value , the rate at which the disease is transmitted .
`` That is going to be the most effective way to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our economy is ready to go back as fast as possible , '' he added .
`` I acknowledge that the 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools but the government will continue to support and work with the sector so that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open more widely as soon as possible . ''
Downing Street added the date would only go ahead if five tests are passed by Thursday 28 May , which include data to show a `` sustained and consistent fall in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in measures would not trigger a second peak of COVID-19 .
As originally revealed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier this month , the phased reopening will begin with reception , years one and six , nurseries and other early years providers .
Secondary schools , sixth forms and colleges will then provide `` face-to-face contact '' from 15 June for Year 10 , Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further education students to help them prepare for exams next year .
Guidance for schools returning on 1 June , published by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others • Staggered break and lunch times , as well as drop offs and pickups • Increasing the frequency of cleaning , reducing the used of shared items and utilising outdoor space The commitment comes after a row broke out between unions , local councils and the Conservative government over when schools should reopen .
A total of 27 councils - nearly all Labour-run - said on Friday they are either opposed to or cautious about schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions and scientific advisers on 15 May - instigated by Mr Williamson to break the deadlock - resulted in teachers ' union NASUWT describing it as `` flimsy as best '' .
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson also told Sky News he was prepared to defy government guidance .
He said at the time : `` I will only allow schools to let children , teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it 's safe to do so .
This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of children . ''
Since then , the talks have been described as a `` constructive period of consultation '' by the PM 's team .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Friday , shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey urged the government to move towards the `` test , track and trace '' method before reopening schools .
After the press conference , Downing Street confirmed that children , staff and families would have access to testing if they show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests would result in a test and trace approach .

The prime minister has admitted it will be "tough" to reopen schools at the start of next month but has pledged to work with English councils to ease the process.
Boris Johnson, who replaced Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick at the Downing Street briefing on Sunday, acknowledged the planned reopening date of 1 June may not be possible for all schools but remained committed to it.
During the press conference, which was hosted by the PM after his top aide Dominic Cummings came under fire for allegedly breaking lockdown rules, Mr Johnson said of pupils returning to class: "This is going to be tough.
Image: Boris Johnson pledged to help councils who are fearful about the 1 June date
"What we will do is make sure that we stagger things, we pace things and we work directly with you, with local authorities, to make sure that there is a plan."
He said the key to fully reopening schools by September "at the very latest" is to "keep pushing down" the coronavirus R value, the rate at which the disease is transmitted.
"That is going to be the most effective way to ensure that not just our schools but all our economy is ready to go back as fast as possible," he added.
"I acknowledge that the 1 June opening may not be possible for all schools but the government will continue to support and work with the sector so that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open more widely as soon as possible."
Downing Street added the date would only go ahead if five tests are passed by Thursday 28 May, which include data to show a "sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates" and that the change in measures would not trigger a second peak of COVID-19.
As originally revealed by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson earlier this month, the phased reopening will begin with reception, years one and six, nurseries and other early years providers.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:29 Ex-Ofsted chief supports reopening of schools
Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will then provide "face-to-face contact" from 15 June for Year 10, Year 12 and equivalent 16-19 further education students to help them prepare for exams next year.
Guidance for schools returning on 1 June, published by the Department for Education on Sunday, included:
• Reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups without mixing with others
• Staggered break and lunch times, as well as drop offs and pickups
• Increasing the frequency of cleaning, reducing the used of shared items and utilising outdoor space
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The commitment comes after a row broke out between unions, local councils and the Conservative government over when schools should reopen.
A total of 27 councils - nearly all Labour-run - said on Friday they are either opposed to or cautious about schools opening their doors.
Meanwhile talks between unions and scientific advisers on 15 May - instigated by Mr Williamson to break the deadlock - resulted in teachers' union NASUWT describing it as "flimsy as best".
Image: A classroom in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is seen operating under the new guidelines
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson also told Sky News he was prepared to defy government guidance.
He said at the time: "I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it's safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it's got everything to do with the safety of children."
Since then, the talks have been described as a "constructive period of consultation" by the PM's team.
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On Friday, shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey urged the government to move towards the "test, track and trace" method before reopening schools.
After the press conference, Downing Street confirmed that children, staff and families would have access to testing if they show COVID-19 symptoms.
It added any positive tests would result in a test and trace approach.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-25--PM's adviser Dominic Cummings to make rare statement as resignation calls grow

Dominic Cummings is to make a rare statement and take questions later today , Downing Street has confirmed .
Boris Johnson 's chief adviser has been accused of breaching coronavirus lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles from London to Durham while Britons were being told to `` stay at home '' .
19 Conservative MPs - as well as bishops and NHS staff - have called for his resignation , but the prime minister has maintained that Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .
More Tory backbenchers have urged Mr Cummings to directly address unanswered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have spotted him visiting a castle on 12 April , 30 miles away from his parents ' farm where he self-isolated , and again in Durham a week later .
Confusion also remains after Durham Police said they contacted the Number 10 aide 's family - an account disputed by Downing Street .
Mr Cummings said he decamped from London when his wife developed COVID-19 symptoms in case he came down with the virus too so his family could look after the couple 's young child .
But Tory former ministers have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Paul Maynard saying : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up .
`` It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
Steve Baker also told Sky News on Sunday : `` We are now in a nonsense position , a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in Number 10 . ''
Cabinet ministers have so far rallied round Mr Cummings , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson telling Sky News on Monday : `` At no stage did he break the law or break the rules . ''
Labour has called for an investigation by the Cabinet Secretary - the UK 's most senior civil servant - and the Scottish National Party has demanded the former Vote Leave boss lost his job .

Dominic Cummings will make a rare statement and take questions later today amid growing calls for his resignation.
The address due to be given by Boris Johnson's most senior adviser at 4pm in the Downing Street rose garden is a virtually unprecedented move, given aides largely stay out of the limelight as ministers are responsible for their actions.
He is under fire for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham while Britons were being told to "stay at home" at the end of March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Twenty Conservative MPs - as well as bishops and NHS staff - claim he broke the rule and are calling for his resignation, but the prime minister has maintained that Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".
More Tory backbenchers have urged Mr Cummings to directly address unanswered questions about a witness who claimed to have spotted him visiting Barnard Castle on 12 April, a picturesque town 30 miles away from his parents' farm where he self-isolated, and again in Durham a week later.
Confusion also remains after Durham Police said they contacted the Number 10 aide's family - an account disputed by Downing Street.
Mr Cummings said he decamped from London when his wife developed COVID-19 symptoms in case he came down with the virus too so his family could look after the couple's young child.
He is expected to make his statement later on Monday afternoon in the rose garden, memorable for being the setting where David Cameron and Nick Clegg announced they were forming a coalition government in 2010.
Image: The news conference will be held in the rose garden, where the 2010 coalition was announced
But it will come despite the code of conduct for special advisers stating they "must not take public part in political controversy, through any form of statement".
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One insider said the guidance "refers to what you do in a personal capacity" and not what an adviser is asked to do by their boss.
Image: A witness says they saw the Downing Street aide in Barnard Castle
Tory former ministers have called on Mr Cummings to quit or be sacked, with Paul Maynard saying: "It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up.
"It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Tory MP and former minister: 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules'
Steve Baker also told Sky News on Sunday: "We are now in a nonsense position, a pantomime position where it seems if you wish to apply a wide common-sense interpretation to the rules you can do, at least if you work in Number 10."
Cabinet ministers have so far rallied round Mr Cummings, with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson telling Sky News on Monday: "At no stage did he break the law or break the rules."
Labour has called for an investigation by the cabinet secretary - the UK's most senior civil servant - and the Scottish National Party has demanded the former Vote Leave boss lose his job.
Durham's acting police and crime commissioner Steve White has also asked the force to "establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law".
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Scientists from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours, who have been advising the government, said by backing Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson had "trashed" their advice on how to deal with the pandemic.
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, also tweeted: "The question now is: do we accept being lied to, patronised and treated by a PM as mugs?"
And an NHS doctor has threatened to resign by the end of the week if Mr Cummings has not done so by then - and said he thinks many of his fellow NHS workers will happily do the same.