thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Britons FURIOUS as UK’s Brexit deal demands branded ‘fanciful’ – 'Boris won't back down!'

The claim prompted an angry reaction on the Daily Express Facebook page .
One reader commented : “ Why ca n't they accept we 're not taking any more of their dictating to us - we are a free country and wo n't accept it any more.
” Another wrote : “ And , of course , the EU basically wanting to keep us trapped in their rules and steal our fish meaning we are still in the EU is fine is it !
” A third said : “ Audacious then Boris must be doing something right if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own way , no deal looking good.
” Another commented : “ Our demand is we want out , have our own laws and can fish in our own waters , and we do n't want them to interfere.
” One more added : “ Boris does not back down.
” Mr Jones accused the UK of making “ audacious ” demands in trade talks .
He told Express.co.uk : “ The EU has been its usual legalistic self .
READ MORE : End of EU ?
Brussels will ‘ collapse ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noting the need to aggregate the position of 27 countries into a common negotiating position , there was never going to be much room for flexibility .
`` The UK 's position has been the typical British exceptionalism , where Frost has adopted the Johnson approach of expecting the EU to bow down to the UK demands .
`` As an example , the UK wants to have input into any future application by a third party to join the EU , and for the EU to take into consideration UK interests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audacious .
`` The UK has refused point-blank to let the ECJ ( European Court of Justice ) have any role in the UK post-Brexit , but expects the EU to bow down to such fanciful demands . ''
DO N'T MISS 'Beyond audacious ! '
UK accused of 'fanciful demands ' in EU talks [ INSIGHT ] Steve Baker furious as he claims Cummings did not help securing Brexit [ VIDEO ] EU : How UK ’ s exit hits harder than 18 other members leaving at ONCE [ ANALYSIS ] The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU until the end of the year while the two sides negotiate a free trade deal .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted he will not push back the deadline despite critics claiming the timeframe is too tight .
Mr Johnson ’ s Europe adviser David Frost slammed the EU ’ s approach to negotiations in a letter last week .
He said the UK found it `` perplexing '' that Brussels was continuing to make `` unbalanced , and unprecedented '' demands but argued `` rapid '' progress could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer terms similar to those found in free trade agreements it had already struck with countries such as Canada and Japan .

Brexit: Latest talks finished ‘without any progress’ says Barnier
The UK and the EU made little progress in the latest round of negotiations on a free trade agreement ahead of the end of 2020 deadline. Alistair Jones, Associate Politics Professor at De Montfort University, criticised Britain’s approach in expecting Brussels to “bow down” to “fanciful demands”.
The claim prompted an angry reaction on the Daily Express Facebook page. One reader commented: “Why can't they accept we're not taking any more of their dictating to us - we are a free country and won't accept it any more.” Another wrote: “And, of course, the EU basically wanting to keep us trapped in their rules and steal our fish meaning we are still in the EU is fine is it!” A third said: “Audacious then Boris must be doing something right if they complaining obviously shows they not getting it their own way, no deal looking good.”
Express readers reacted with fury after the UK was accused of making ‘fanciful demands’ in EU talks
The UK and the EU made little progress in the latest round of negotiations on a free trade agreement ahead of the end of 2020 deadline
Another commented: “Our demand is we want out, have our own laws and can fish in our own waters, and we don't want them to interfere.” One more added: “Boris does not back down.” Mr Jones accused the UK of making “audacious” demands in trade talks. He told Express.co.uk: “The EU has been its usual legalistic self. READ MORE: End of EU? Brussels will ‘collapse’ as Italy told to leave EU
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The UK is in a transition period with the EU until the end of the year while the two sides negotiate a free trade deal
“Noting the need to aggregate the position of 27 countries into a common negotiating position, there was never going to be much room for flexibility. "The UK's position has been the typical British exceptionalism, where Frost has adopted the Johnson approach of expecting the EU to bow down to the UK demands. "As an example, the UK wants to have input into any future application by a third party to join the EU, and for the EU to take into consideration UK interests in any such negotiations. This goes beyond audacious. "The UK has refused point-blank to let the ECJ (European Court of Justice) have any role in the UK post-Brexit, but expects the EU to bow down to such fanciful demands." DON'T MISS
'Beyond audacious!' UK accused of 'fanciful demands' in EU talks [INSIGHT]
Steve Baker furious as he claims Cummings did not help securing Brexit [VIDEO]
EU: How UK’s exit hits harder than 18 other members leaving at ONCE [ANALYSIS]
Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost slammed the EU’s approach to negotiations in a letter last week
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier hit out out at Mr Frost’s “tone” and warned a "new dynamism" was needed in talks if they are to avoid a "stalemate"
The UK is in a transition period with the EU until the end of the year while the two sides negotiate a free trade deal. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted he will not push back the deadline despite critics claiming the timeframe is too tight. Mr Johnson’s Europe adviser David Frost slammed the EU’s approach to negotiations in a letter last week. He said the UK found it "perplexing" that Brussels was continuing to make "unbalanced, and unprecedented" demands but argued "rapid" progress could be made if the bloc was willing to offer terms similar to those found in free trade agreements it had already struck with countries such as Canada and Japan.
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--'Obsessed' Verhofstadt sparks fury after Cummings dig - 'What has it got to do with you?'

Mr Verhofstadt , who was the European Parliament 's Brexit representative , has been a persistent critic of both Britain 's decision to leave the EU , and of the Prime Minister himself , stirred things up by tweeting a cartoon from the Sunday Times , in which the Prime Minister says : `` I ca n't sack Dominic Cummings until he tells me to '' .
The Belgian MEP commented : `` Following the Cummings saga in the UK , this is spot on.. '' He followed his tweet with another in which he commented : `` Clear now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , Bolsanaro , Kaczynski , Johnson and Cummings & another for the people they claim to represent .
`` By putting themselves above the law they set for others , they become the elites they tell us they rage against on our behalf ! ''
His first prompted almost 2,500 comments , with many curious as to why Mr Verhofstadt was continuing to focus his attention on the UK .
One Twitter user asked : `` WTF does any of this have to do with you ? ''
A second commentator made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None of your business .
`` Just like anything else in the UNITED KINGDOM of GREAT BRITAIN . ''
Another suggested Mr Verhofstadt was motivated by his views on Brexit , saying : `` It 's hilarious watching you slate us , whilst trying so desperately to cling on to us . ''
Meanwhile , financial analyst and Brexiteer David Buik posted : `` Please stay out of our business , Mr Verhofstadt - these domestic issues are not part your European brief ! ''
However , David Cressey responded : `` No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing for Brexit !
`` We would n't have achieved it without him ... '' DO N'T MISS Putin ’ s ships track US guided-missile destroyer in Black Sea [ INSIGHT ] World War 3 threat : US warned after ‘ dangerous ’ nuclear simulation [ ANALYSIS ] WW3 : US military 's drills 'practise nuclear strikes against Russia ' [ INSIGHT ] '' He has probably done more to get Boris , and inter alia Dominic Cummings into position than any other person .
`` He is our secret weapon ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're obsessed with us ! ''
Karen Squires said : `` We just like being reminded we did right thing & Guy does that with every tweet .
`` Guy alone has convinced my Remainer friends they now want Leave regardless to their original minority vote . ''

Dominic Cummings says he was 'subject to threats of violence'
Mr Verhofstadt, who was the European Parliament's Brexit representative, has been a persistent critic of both Britain's decision to leave the EU, and of the Prime Minister himself, stirred things up by tweeting a cartoon from the Sunday Times, in which the Prime Minister says: "I can't sack Dominic Cummings until he tells me to". The Belgian MEP commented: "Following the Cummings saga in the UK, this is spot on.." He followed his tweet with another in which he commented: "Clear now there is one rule for populists like Trump, Bolsanaro, Kaczynski, Johnson and Cummings & another for the people they claim to represent.
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"By putting themselves above the law they set for others, they become the elites they tell us they rage against on our behalf!" His first prompted almost 2,500 comments, with many curious as to why Mr Verhofstadt was continuing to focus his attention on the UK. One Twitter user asked: "WTF does any of this have to do with you?" Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Guy Verhofstadt has once again stirred up Twitter
Dominic Cummings arrives at Downing Street prior to his statement
A second commentator made a similar point, saying: "None of your business. "Just like anything else in the UNITED KINGDOM of GREAT BRITAIN." Another suggested Mr Verhofstadt was motivated by his views on Brexit, saying: "It's hilarious watching you slate us, whilst trying so desperately to cling on to us." READ MORE: Coronavirus shock - did Dominic Cummings predict killer virus outbreak a year ago?
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One of Guy Verhofstadt's two tweets
Please stay out of our business, Mr Verhofstadt - these domestic issues are not part your European brief! David Buik
One Twitter user wondered why it was Mr Verhofstadt's concern
Similarly, another suggested it was not his business
"He has probably done more to get Boris, and inter alia Dominic Cummings into position than any other person. "He is our secret weapon!" Mr Verhofstadt's second post prompted a similar response.
How the lockdown has affected movement
One user commented: "Omg, you're obsessed with us!" Karen Squires said: "We just like being reminded we did right thing & Guy does that with every tweet. "Guy alone has convinced my Remainer friends they now want Leave regardless to their original minority vote."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended Mr Cummings at tonight's briefing


thedailyexpress--2020-05-25--Boris admits ‘regret’ at 'confusion and anger' as he’s pressed over Cummings’ account

The Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser defended travelling to County Durham to self isolate with his family during the coronavirus lockdown as he made a public statement earlier today .
Addressing the controversy at the daily Downing Street press conference this evening , Mr Johnson said : `` Do I regret what has happened ?
Yes , of course I do regret the confusion and the anger and the pain that people feel .
`` This is a country that has been going through the most tremendous difficulties and suffering in the course of the last 10 weeks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to understand exactly what had happened . ''
When pressed about his top aide ’ s account , the Prime Minister said : `` To the best of my knowledge , Mr Cummings has just subjected himself to your interrogation for quite a long time now about these very detailed matters and has produced quite a substantial chunk of autobiography about what happened in the period from March 27 to April 14 .
`` I really feel that it would be wrong of me to try to comment further .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds up .
“ I think he spoke at great length .
To me , he came across as somebody who cared very much about his family and who was doing the best for his family .
`` I think , as he said himself , reasonable people may disagree about some of the decisions that he took , but I do n't think reasonable people can disagree about what was going through his head at the time and the motivations for those decisions . ''
In a highly unusual press conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Cummings said he made the journey to the North East because of fears over childcare for his young son when his wife Mary Wakefield developed coronavirus symptoms .
READ MORE : Alastair Campbell sparks backlash after Boris and Cummings jibe He also said he had concerns about his family ’ s safety at his London home after receiving threats .
The Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser said : `` I do n't regret what I did .
“ I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances .
DO N'T MISS Dominic Cummings statement in FULL : PM 's top aide refuses to apologise [ INSIGHT ] Cummings speaks out on how ’ threats of violence ’ forced him to flee [ VIDEO ] Dominic Cummings acted as any good father would – EXPRESS COMMENT [ COMMENT ] '' The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances .
`` And I think that the situation that I was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old . ''
Mr Cummings added that he believed he acted reasonably and legally .
He said : `` In this very complex situation , I tried to exercise my judgment the best I could .

Dominic Cummings: Johnson says he 'regrets' the anger caused
The Prime Minister’s chief adviser defended travelling to County Durham to self isolate with his family during the coronavirus lockdown as he made a public statement earlier today. Addressing the controversy at the daily Downing Street press conference this evening, Mr Johnson said: "Do I regret what has happened? Yes, of course I do regret the confusion and the anger and the pain that people feel.
"This is a country that has been going through the most tremendous difficulties and suffering in the course of the last 10 weeks and that's why I really did want people to understand exactly what had happened." When pressed about his top aide’s account, the Prime Minister said: "To the best of my knowledge, Mr Cummings has just subjected himself to your interrogation for quite a long time now about these very detailed matters and has produced quite a substantial chunk of autobiography about what happened in the period from March 27 to April 14. "I really feel that it would be wrong of me to try to comment further. “I think people will have to make their minds up.
Boris Johnson has admitted he regrets the ‘confusion and anger’ caused by the Dominic Cummings row
The Prime Minister’s chief adviser defended travelling to County Durham to self isolate with his family during the coronavirus lockdown as he made a public statement earlier today
“I think he spoke at great length. To me, he came across as somebody who cared very much about his family and who was doing the best for his family. "I think, as he said himself, reasonable people may disagree about some of the decisions that he took, but I don't think reasonable people can disagree about what was going through his head at the time and the motivations for those decisions." In a highly unusual press conference in the rose garden of 10 Downing Street, Mr Cummings said he made the journey to the North East because of fears over childcare for his young son when his wife Mary Wakefield developed coronavirus symptoms. READ MORE: Alastair Campbell sparks backlash after Boris and Cummings jibe
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Mr Cummings said he made the journey to the North East because of fears over childcare for his young son when his wife Mary Wakefield developed coronavirus symptoms
He also said he had concerns about his family’s safety at his London home after receiving threats
"The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances. "And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old." Mr Cummings added that he believed he acted reasonably and legally. He said: "In this very complex situation, I tried to exercise my judgment the best I could.
Mr Cummings added that he believed he acted reasonably and legally
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thedailyexpress--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings father: Who are Dominic Cummings' parents? Inside farm funded by EU

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Boris Johnson 's senior aide Dominic Cummings has come under fire today after he said he did not regret his decision to drive 260 miles to his parent 's farm in Durham during the UK lockdown .
The top aide said his decision was based not only on fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with COVID-19 after he and his wife began to display symptoms , but also concerns about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference in Downing Street 's rose garden , Mr Cummings said stories suggested he had opposed lockdown and `` did not care about many deaths '' .
He added : `` The truth is that I had argued for lockdown , I did not oppose it but these stories had created a very bad atmosphere around my home , I was subjected to threats of violence , people came to my house shouting threats , there were posts on social media encouraging attacks . ''
Mr Cummings said he was worried that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : `` I was worried about the possibility of leaving my wife and child at home all day and often into the night while I worked in Number 10 .
`` I thought the best thing to do in all the circumstances was to drive to an isolated cottage on my father 's farm . ''
Mr Cummings added : `` If you have got a child that 's four years old and neither of you can look after him , the guidance does n't say 'you have just got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I have behaved reasonably given the circumstances and the different things I had to try and weigh up . ''

Dominic Cummings says he was 'subject to threats of violence'
Boris Johnson's senior aide Dominic Cummings has come under fire after he said he did not regret his decision to drive 260 miles to his parent's farm in Durham during the UK lockdown. The top aide said his decision was based not only on fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with COVID-19 after he and his wife began to display symptoms, but also concerns about his family's safety.
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At an extraordinary press conference in Downing Street's rose garden on Monday, Mr Cummings said stories suggested he had opposed lockdown and "did not care about many deaths". He added: "The truth is that I had argued for lockdown, I did not oppose it but these stories had created a very bad atmosphere around my home, I was subjected to threats of violence, people came to my house shouting threats, there were posts on social media encouraging attacks." Mr Cummings said he was worried that "this situation would get worse", adding: "I was worried about the possibility of leaving my wife and child at home all day and often into the night while I worked in Number 10. "I thought the best thing to do in all the circumstances was to drive to an isolated cottage on my father's farm." Mr Cummings added: "If you have got a child that's four years old and neither of you can look after him, the guidance doesn't say 'you have just got to sit there'. "So I think I have behaved reasonably given the circumstances and the different things I had to try and weigh up."
Dominic Cummings father: Who is Dominic Cummings' father?
Dominic Cummings father: Mr Cummings said he believes he behaved "reasonably"
READ MORE Dominic Cummings statement in FULL: PM's top aide refuses to apologise Who are Dominic Cummings' parents? Dominic Cummings father Robert worked as an oil rig project manager and built oil rigs for construction firm, Laing. His mother Morag, worked as a special needs teacher and a behavioural specialist. The couple, now in their seventies, live on a family farm in Durham, where Mr Cummings' father now also works. In August 2019, the Observer revealed the farm - of which Brexit architect Dominic Cummings is a co-owner of - received £235,000 in EU farming subsidies. Analysis of Land Registry documents and EU subsidy databases revealed the farm in Durham has received roughly €20,000 a year for almost 20 years.
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Dominic Cummings: Beth Rigby says 'there's one rule for you'
Dominic Cummings father: The aide said he made the journey because of fears over a lack of childcare
Website Farmsubsidy.org, which lists EU rural subsidies, reveals the Durham farm received almost €208,000 between 2000 and 2009. While a separate website, operated by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed additional payments of roughly £6,500 were made to Cummings’s parents “for practices beneficial for climate and environment” in 2017 and 2018. A third, offline database, then revealed subsidies worth nearly £19,000 were paid out in 2014. It is not clear when Cummings became the co-owner of the farm. However, Land Registry searches show he was a co-owner in 2013. DON'T MISS
‘One rule for you!’ Beth Rigby unleashes at Dominic Cummings - WATCH
Labour MP confronted for sharing ‘conspiracy theory' - REACTION
Cummings speaks out on how ’threats of violence’ forced him to flee - VIDEO
Dominic Cummings father: Visited No 10 Downing Street this weekend
Dominic Cummings father: Mr Cummings returned to London in early April
READ MORE Susie Dent: Countdown star sparks frenzy in 'Dominic Cummings jibe' This revelation opened Mr Cumings up to criticism at the time due to his position as being one of the key architects of Brexit. Liberal Democrats’ spokeswoman for young people, Layla Moran, told The Observer at the time: “It shows sheer hypocrisy from Cummings that his farm has raked in hundreds of thousands from the ‘absurd subsidies’ he so often criticises.” And this week the Brexiteer has been dubbed a hypocrite yet again, as he and the Government have been accused of having 'one rule for him and another for the rest of the UK.' But speaking in London on Monday, Mr Cummings said “I have not offered to resign”, adding: “I have not considered it. "I think it's reasonable to say that other people would have behaved differently, in different ways, in this whole situation. "But as I stress I was trying to balance lots of competing things." He said he could not have remained in an isolated cottage for weeks afterwards because he was involved in vital work in Downing Street.
Dominic Cummings father: Mr Cummings has not considered resigning
"I thought that if I could return to work then I should seek to return to work", he said, and took "expert medical advice" before doing so. Police have revealed they made contact with the owners of the address after the Durham Constabulary were “made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city”. The force said: "Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house. “In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel.”


thedailyexpress--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings statement in FULL: Boris aide refuses to apologise 'I don't regret it'

For a Government aide to make a statement as Mr Cummings did is highly unusual .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had backed Mr Cummings in the daily press conference on Sunday , saying his top advisor had not broken any laws .
Mr Johnson said Mr Cummings had `` acted responsibly , legally and with integrity '' by driving 260 miles to County Durham to isolate and added , `` any parent would frankly understand what he did '' .
However , Mr Johnson 's statement faced fierce criticism from across the political spectrum , with intensifying calls for Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC 's Andrew Neil breaks bank holiday weekend off for statement Here is Dominic Cummings ' statement in full Mr Cummings began by saying he had given a full account to Mr Johnson , who had asked him to repeat that account to the nation .
He added he knew many people were angry at him for his actions .
He said : `` I know that millions of people have been suffering and thousands have died .
`` In retrospect , I should have made this statement earlier . ''
Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being ill : `` I was worried that if my wife and I were both seriously ill we had no reasonable childcare options in London . ''
Mr Cummings said he then ran home to be with his wife – he said she might have had COVID , but did not have a fever or cough .
He also felt it was highly likely he had contracted the disease having been in close contact with the prime minister and others who developed symptoms .
Mr Cummings said he was worried `` this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was worried about the possibility of leaving my wife and child at home all day and often into the night while I worked in Number 10 '' .
He said : `` I thought the best thing to do was to drive to an isolated cottage on my father 's farm '' .
DO N'T MISS Lorraine Kelly in scathing Dominic Cummings rant [ VIDEO ] Boris must steer us out of troubled waters , says LEO McKINSTRY [ COMMENT ] Piers Morgan blasts Boris Johnson after defending Dominic Cummings [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how ’ threats of violence ’ forced him to flee He added he did not tell Mr Johnson about this decision as it was when the Prime Minister was ill .
He said : `` I did not ask the Prime Minister about this decision .
He was ill himself and he had huge problems to deal with .
Every day I have to exercise my judgement about things like this and decide what to discuss with him .
`` I thought that I would speak to him when the situation clarified over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had symptoms and whether there were tests available .
`` Arguably this was a mistake and I understand that some will say that I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do . ''
He said : `` So I drove the three of us up to Durham that night , arriving roughly midnight .
I did not stop on the way .
`` When I awoke the next morning , Saturday March 28 , I was in pain and clearly had COVID symptoms including a headache and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not return to work anytime soon .
For a day or two , we were both ill , I was in bed , my wife was ill but not ill enough to require emergency help . ''
He added : `` During the night of Thursday April 2 my child woke up , he threw up and had a bad fever .
He was very distressed .
`` We took medical advice which was to call 999 , an ambulance was sent , they assessed my child and said he should go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , my wife went with him in the ambulance , I stayed at home , he stayed the night in hospital . ''
He said that in the morning his wife called to say their son had recovered and could return home .
He said his family took a walk in some woods on his father ’ s estate , where they were seen by members of the public , but had no interaction with them .
He explained : “ We had not left the property , we were on private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can understand that some people will argue I should have stayed at home in London .
`` I understand these views , I understand the intense hardship and sacrifice the entire country has gone through .
However , I respectfully disagree .
`` The legal rules inevitably do not cover all circumstances , including those that I found myself in . ''
Mr Cummings said : `` I hope that today after I have explained , people will realise this was a tricky situation . ''
He said he could see why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his actions could be furious .
The government advisor said : `` If you are someone sitting at home watching the media over the last three days then I think lots of people would be very angry and I completely understand that . ''
When questioned by journalists on his actions he said : `` I do n't regret what I did .
I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances , but I think what I did was actually reasonable in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances .
`` And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old . ''
When asked about the calls for his resignation Mr Cummings said he had not considered resigning and he has not spoken to the Prime Minister about resigning .
Sky News ’ s political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he `` at the very least owe them [ the public ] an apology ?
” Ms Rigby said : “ Thousands of people watching this , ordinary families , have put up with all kinds of restrictions and hardships regardless of their medical or family requirements . ''
Mr Cummings did not respond as to whether he owed an apology and said : “ I don ’ t think I ’ m so different and I don ’ t think there ’ s one rule for me and one rule for other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I knew what the guidance was , it talks about exceptional circumstances with small children and I think that in all the circumstances I behaved reasonably and legally.
” Asked about the nature of any contact with his parents , Mr Cummings said he had had `` shouted conversations '' with them from a distance .
He said : `` I was in a cottage , 50 metres or so away from everybody else .
Obviously we kept very , very far away from them .
There are various reports that I visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's all completely untrue .
`` My parents are in their 70s .
Obviously I did not want to give them this disease .
And so we stayed very far away .
`` We did have some conversations but they were on a farm and they were shouted conversations at a distance .
They were n't some of the things that have been reported . ''

Dominic Cummings says he was 'subject to threats of violence'
Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made a public statement following calls for him to be sacked over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Speaking from the rose garden of 10 Downing Street, Mr Cummings apologised for being late and gave a full account of his actions, the same as he'd given to Mr Johnson.
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For a Government aide to make a statement as Mr Cummings did is highly unusual. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had backed Mr Cummings in the daily press conference on Sunday, saying his top advisor had not broken any laws. Mr Johnson said Mr Cummings had "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity" by driving 260 miles to County Durham to isolate and added, "any parent would frankly understand what he did". However, Mr Johnson's statement faced fierce criticism from across the political spectrum, with intensifying calls for Mr Cummings' resignation. Read More: BBC's Andrew Neil breaks bank holiday weekend off for statement
Dominic Cummings statement: Mr Cummings addressed the nation
READ MORE Dominic Cummings statement: Document drops major clue Here is Dominic Cummings' statement in full Mr Cummings began by saying he had given a full account to Mr Johnson, who had asked him to repeat that account to the nation. He added he knew many people were angry at him for his actions. He said: "I know that millions of people have been suffering and thousands have died. "In retrospect, I should have made this statement earlier."
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Dominic Cummings statement: Mr Cummings said he travelled to Durham and also drove close to Barnard Castle
Mr Cummings said after his wife had told him of being ill: "I was worried that if my wife and I were both seriously ill we had no reasonable childcare options in London." Mr Cummings said he then ran home to be with his wife – he said she might have had COVID, but did not have a fever or cough. He also felt it was highly likely he had contracted the disease having been in close contact with the prime minister and others who developed symptoms. Mr Cummings said he was worried "this situation would get worse", and "I was worried about the possibility of leaving my wife and child at home all day and often into the night while I worked in Number 10". He said: "I thought the best thing to do was to drive to an isolated cottage on my father's farm". DON'T MISS
Lorraine Kelly in scathing Dominic Cummings rant [VIDEO]
Boris must steer us out of troubled waters, says LEO McKINSTRY [COMMENT]
Piers Morgan blasts Boris Johnson after defending Dominic Cummings [INSIGHT]
READ MORE Cummings speaks out on how ’threats of violence’ forced him to flee He added he did not tell Mr Johnson about this decision as it was when the Prime Minister was ill. He said: "I did not ask the Prime Minister about this decision. He was ill himself and he had huge problems to deal with. Every day I have to exercise my judgement about things like this and decide what to discuss with him. "I thought that I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days, including whether I had symptoms and whether there were tests available. "Arguably this was a mistake and I understand that some will say that I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do."
Dominic Cummings statement: Mr Cummings said he had no viable childcare options in London
Dominic Cummings statement in FULL: Mr Cummings spoke from the garden in Number 10 Downing Street
He said: "So I drove the three of us up to Durham that night, arriving roughly midnight. I did not stop on the way. "When I awoke the next morning, Saturday March 28, I was in pain and clearly had COVID symptoms including a headache and a serious fever. "Clearly I could not return to work anytime soon. For a day or two, we were both ill, I was in bed, my wife was ill but not ill enough to require emergency help." He added: "During the night of Thursday April 2 my child woke up, he threw up and had a bad fever. He was very distressed. "We took medical advice which was to call 999, an ambulance was sent, they assessed my child and said he should go to hospital. "I could barely stand up, my wife went with him in the ambulance, I stayed at home, he stayed the night in hospital."
Dominic Cummings: Campbell says UK is 'governed by liars’
He said that in the morning his wife called to say their son had recovered and could return home. He said his family took a walk in some woods on his father’s estate, where they were seen by members of the public, but had no interaction with them. He explained: “We had not left the property, we were on private land." He said: "I can understand that some people will argue I should have stayed at home in London. "I understand these views, I understand the intense hardship and sacrifice the entire country has gone through. However, I respectfully disagree.
Dominic Cummings statement: Mr Cummings spoke to the Prime Minister on Sunday
"The legal rules inevitably do not cover all circumstances, including those that I found myself in." Mr Cummings said: "I hope that today after I have explained, people will realise this was a tricky situation." He said he could see why people basing their opinions on media reports of his actions could be furious. The government advisor said: "If you are someone sitting at home watching the media over the last three days then I think lots of people would be very angry and I completely understand that." When questioned by journalists on his actions he said: "I don't regret what I did. I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances, but I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances.
Dominic Cummings statement in FULL: Mr Cummings said he was doing what was best for his child
"The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances. "And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old." When asked about the calls for his resignation Mr Cummings said he had not considered resigning and he has not spoken to the Prime Minister about resigning. Sky News’s political editor Beth Rigby asked Mr Cummings if he "at the very least owe them [the public] an apology?” Ms Rigby said: “Thousands of people watching this, ordinary families, have put up with all kinds of restrictions and hardships regardless of their medical or family requirements." Mr Cummings did not respond as to whether he owed an apology and said: “I don’t think I’m so different and I don’t think there’s one rule for me and one rule for other people. “As I said, I knew what the guidance was, it talks about exceptional circumstances with small children and I think that in all the circumstances I behaved reasonably and legally.”


thedailyexpress--2020-05-25--BBC's Andrew Neil risks wife's anger as he breaks bank holiday weekend off for statement

The BBC journalist admitted he risked angering his wife by logging onto Twitter during the bank holiday .
Mr Neil tweeted : “ The News Gods are kind to us beyond belief this Bank Holiday Monday .
“ Mr D Cummings to give a press conference later this afternoon -- with questions !
“ Now for that , I will have to break my Bank Holiday weekend respite from Twitter .
Too good to miss .
Now to break it to the wife… ” The Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser will make a public statement at 4pm following calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he breached coronavirus lockdown rules .
Mr Cummings will take questions after he addresses the media in the rose garden of 10 Downing Street .
The Prime Minister ’ s chief adviser will make a public statement at 4pm following calls for him to be sacked over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown rules It is highly unusual for a Government aide to make such a statement .
Boris Johnson ’ s top adviser travelled to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family .
Downing Street said Mr Cummings made the 260-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife Mary Wakefield would be left unable to care for their young son after she suffered coronavirus symptoms .
READ MORE : Dominic Cummings : Tory MPs line up to slam aide ... but big guns support Further reports claim the 48-year-old made a second visit to the North East in April after returning to London following his recovery from COVID-19 .
The Prime Minister told Sunday ’ s Downing Street press conference he could `` not mark down '' Mr Cummings for the way he acted .
Mr Johnson said that following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser he concluded `` he followed the instincts of every father and every parent '' .
DO N'T MISS Dominic Cummings acted as any good father would – EXPRESS COMMENT [ COMMENT ] Boris Johnson stands by under fire aide Dominic Cummings [ INSIGHT ] Dominic Cummings wife : Who is Mary Wakefield ?
How old is their child ?
[ ANALYSIS ] He added that his chief aide had `` acted responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .
Speaking this morning , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said it was his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings and his family did not break the law .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` ( The Prime Minister ) has been absolutely categorically assured that both Dominic Cummings and his family both followed the guidance and also followed the rules .

Dominic Cummings ‘followed the guidance’ insists Williamson
The BBC journalist admitted he risked angering his wife by logging onto Twitter during the bank holiday. Mr Neil tweeted: “The News Gods are kind to us beyond belief this Bank Holiday Monday.
“Mr D Cummings to give a press conference later this afternoon -- with questions! “Now for that, I will have to break my Bank Holiday weekend respite from Twitter. Too good to miss. Now to break it to the wife…” The Prime Minister’s chief adviser will make a public statement at 4pm following calls for him to be sacked over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown rules. Mr Cummings will take questions after he addresses the media in the rose garden of 10 Downing Street.
Andrew Neil is breaking his bank holiday weekend off Twitter due to Dominic Cummings’s statement
The Prime Minister’s chief adviser will make a public statement at 4pm following calls for him to be sacked over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown rules
It is highly unusual for a Government aide to make such a statement. Boris Johnson’s top adviser travelled to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family. Downing Street said Mr Cummings made the 260-mile journey due to fears he and his wife Mary Wakefield would be left unable to care for their young son after she suffered coronavirus symptoms. READ MORE: Dominic Cummings: Tory MPs line up to slam aide...but big guns support
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Boris Johnson’s top adviser travelled to County Durham in March to self-isolate with his family
The News Gods are kind to us beyond belief this Bank Holiday Monday. Mr D Cummings to give a press conference later this afternoon -- with questions! Now for that I will have to break my Bank Holiday weekend respite from Twitter. Too good to miss. Now to break it to the wife ... — Andrew Neil (@afneil) May 25, 2020
He added that his chief aide had "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity". Speaking this morning, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said it was his "understanding" from Mr Johnson that Mr Cummings and his family did not break the law. He told BBC Breakfast: "(The Prime Minister) has been absolutely categorically assured that both Dominic Cummings and his family both followed the guidance and also followed the rules.
Further reports claim the 48-year-old made a second visit to the North East in April after returning to London following his recovery from COVID-19
Trending


thedailyexpress--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings petition: Petition to sack Mr Cummings reaches 285,000 – will he quit?

Dominic Cummings is at the centre of a national row regarding an alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules in March .
The PM ’ s chief aide has been accused of driving from London to Durham at the height of lockdown restrictions in breach of lockdown rules .
But how many believe Mr Cummings should resign and will he quit ?
Dominic Cummmings is Boris Johnson ’ s closest political adviser working in the upper reaches of the Government and Conservative Party for almost 20 years .
Mr Cummings was seen leaving Downing Street on March 27 and three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus symptoms .
But despite the UK being on lockdown , it is claimed Mr Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to Durham between March 27 and 31 .
Police in Durham were `` made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city '' on March 31 .
Officers then `` made contact with the owners of that address '' .
Mr Cummings claimed and his wife made the trip in order to organise childcare support after the pair displayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror and The Observer , Mr Cummings then visited Barnard Castle , located 30 miles from his parents ’ home in Durham .
Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in the county after he had returned to London in mid-April .
Speaking to reporters outside his London home on Saturday , he said he had done the `` right thing '' by travelling with his wife and young son to be near relatives when she developed coronavirus symptoms at the end of March .
Mr Johnson faced a backlash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cummings .
Speaking from Downing Street , the PM said : “ I want to begin by answering the big question that people have been asking in the last 48 hours .
“ And that is – 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 , to stay at home while some people have been basically flouting those rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I take this matter so seriously and frankly it is so serious that I can tell you today I have had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare , at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus .
“ And when he had no alternative , I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent .
And I do not mark him down for that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter , some of them palpably false .
“ I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly , and legally , and with integrity , and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives .
“ And I stress this fundamental aim because it is thanks to this country ’ s collective resolve in achieving that aim that we continue to make progress.
” DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson stands by under fire aide Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was saved by the government using THESE defences [ EXPLAINER ] Piers Morgan blasts Boris Johnson after defending Dominic Cummings [ VIDEO ] • Dominic Cummings : How old are Dominic Cummings children ?
So far , 15 Tory MPs including Steve Baker , Tim Loughton and Caroline Nokes , have called for Mr Cummings ’ s resignation .
Former minister Paul Maynard said : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
Senior Church of England bishops and a scientist advising the Government on the pandemic have also criticised the Government ’ s handling of the row .
A frontline cardiology registrar has vowed to resign if the PM ’ s chief adviser does not resign by the end of the week .
As of 1.13pm , more than 285,000 members of the public have signed this online petition calling for Mr Cummings ’ s resignation .
Writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Thousands of grieving families are not allowed to see hospitalised loved ones before they pass - NO ONE is excused for flouting the law .
Especially 10 Downing St !
” Another added : “ There 's no justification for travelling 250miles for family support , we all have to rely on local friends and online shops when isolating.
” One person wrote : “ It seems to be one rule for us common folk and another for those in Westminster .
What happened to lead by example , shocking.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current role until at least June 1 .
According to Betfair , Dominic Cummings is at 1/2 odds to keep his current job on June 1 , while he is at 6/4 odds to lose his position by that date .
Betfair 's Katie Baylis said : “ The controversy around Cummings ’ trip to his parents ’ house in Durham may be gathering steam , but his odds of exiting his job have swung from odds-on at 4/6 first thing this morning that he would be gone by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he will still be there .
“ While there have been calls for Cummings to resign or be sacked , we have seen the opposite when it comes to what punters believe will happen , but this story is sure to develop as the week , and even the day goes on , so we wouldn ’ t be surprised to see the odds fluctuate .
”

Boris Johnson slammed by Cooper for 'protecting' Cummings
Dominic Cummings is at the centre of a national row regarding an alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules in March. The PM’s chief aide has been accused of driving from London to Durham at the height of lockdown restrictions in breach of lockdown rules. But how many believe Mr Cummings should resign and will he quit?
Trending
Dominic Cummmings is Boris Johnson’s closest political adviser working in the upper reaches of the Government and Conservative Party for almost 20 years. Mr Cummings was seen leaving Downing Street on March 27 and three days later was confirmed to be self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms. But despite the UK being on lockdown, it is claimed Mr Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to Durham between March 27 and 31. Police in Durham were "made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city" on March 31. Officers then "made contact with the owners of that address". READ MORE: BBC viewers slam Gavin Williamson over Dominic Cummings probe
Dominic Cummings petition: Will Dominic Cummings quit amid row over breaching lockdown conditions?
Dominic Cummings petition: Dominic Cummings is accused of travelling 260 miles breaking lockdown rules
READ MORE Piers Morgan fumes over 'disgraceful' replacement of Emily Maitlis Mr Cummings claimed and his wife made the trip in order to organise childcare support after the pair displayed COVID-19 symptoms. According to the Daily Mirror and The Observer, Mr Cummings then visited Barnard Castle, located 30 miles from his parents’ home in Durham. Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in the county after he had returned to London in mid-April. Speaking to reporters at Downing Street on Monday Mr Cummings said he believed he had acted "reasonably" and legally when he drove 260 miles from home in March.
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Dominic Cummings petition: Downing Street revealed Mr Cummings was exhibiting symptoms of the virus at the end of March
Dominic Cummings petition: Mr Cummings speaking from Downing Street on Monday
Mr Johnson faced a backlash on Sunday for his failure to sack Mr Cummings. Speaking from Downing Street, the PM said: “I want to begin by answering the big question that people have been asking in the last 48 hours. “And that is – 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, to stay at home while some people have been basically flouting those rules and endangering lives? “And it is because I take this matter so seriously and frankly it is so serious that I can tell you today I have had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus. “And when he had no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent. And I do not mark him down for that. And though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false. “I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly, and legally, and with integrity, and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives. “And I stress this fundamental aim because it is thanks to this country’s collective resolve in achieving that aim that we continue to make progress.” On Monday in a bid to divert attention from the row over Mr Cummings, the PM announced that thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England could open next month once they are COVID-19 safe. DON'T MISS
Boris Johnson stands by under fire aide Dominic Cummings [INSIGHT]
How Dominic Cummings was saved by the government using THESE defences [EXPLAINER]
Piers Morgan blasts Boris Johnson after defending Dominic Cummings [VIDEO]
READ MORE Chris Evans: Virgin Radio DJ makes 'vision' dig at Dominic Cummings So far, at least 30 Tory MPs including Steve Baker, Tim Loughton and Caroline Nokes, have called for Mr Cummings’s resignation. Former minister Paul Maynard said: "It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with the guidance he himself helped draw up. "It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable." Senior Church of England bishops and a scientist advising the Government on the pandemic have also criticised the Government’s handling of the row. A frontline cardiology registrar has vowed to resign if the PM’s chief adviser does not resign by the end of the week. On Thursday, Durham Police said Mr Cummings may have committed "a minor breach" of lockdown rules, but said he will face no further action. The police said the 26-mile trip from Durham to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight "might have been a minor breach of the regulations that would have warranted police intervention", but "there is no intention to take retrospective action".
Dominic Cummings petition: Mr Johnson supported Mr Cummings on Sunday saying he had 'acted responsibly'
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Dominic Cummings petition: Protesters have gathered outside Mr Cummings' home calling for his resignation
As of 7.15am on May 29, more than 977,000 members of the public have signed this online petition calling for Mr Cummings’s resignation. Writing on the petition, one person wrote: “Thousands of grieving families are not allowed to see hospitalised loved ones before they pass - NO ONE is excused for flouting the law. Especially 10 Downing St!” Another added: “There's no justification for travelling 250miles for family support, we all have to rely on local friends and online shops when isolating.” One person wrote: “It seems to be one rule for us common folk and another for those in Westminster. What happened to lead by example, shocking.”


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--'The resistance continues' Civil servant breaks ranks to MOCK Boris days after shock tweet

Mr Cummings yesterday took the extraordinary step of coming to Downing Street to read a statement about his decision to drive 260 miles to the North East , together with his wife and child , after his wife fell ill .
He justified his decision by saying he believed his trip was necessary to ensure they were near relatives in case they needed childcare - but the controversy rumbles on , with junior minister Douglas Ross today resigning in protest at Mr Cummings ' apparent ignoring of the guidelines .
Additionally , a swiftly-deleted message carried on the Government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boris Johnson 's defence of Mr Cummings during the coronavirus briefing on Saturday simply said : “ Arrogant and offensive .
Can you imagine working with these truth twisters ?
” Writing in the Guardian , an unnamed civil servant , whom the newspaper says works in a Whitehall department , said : `` This was speaking truth to power .
`` This was a shot across the bow .
This was a tiny flare sent up from the government trenches , in solidarity with anyone who has ever felt like they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' by an implacable ruling class for whom the rules themselves are increasingly a disposable commodity . ''
The author said they hoped the person who wrote the tweet was never identified , stressing that if they were `` he or she should qualify for the protection that the government by law has to provide for whistleblowers , who , after all , are allowed to break government omerta when there are miscarriages of justice , fraud , dangers to health and safety , or attempts to conceal any of the above '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s any justice , if my colleague is uncovered , he or she will face the same consequences as the prime minister ’ s chief adviser did , which will be b****r all ( although Durham police might have other ideas ) . ''
The whole affair emphasised the `` deteriorating trust in government , its conventions and its institutions '' , the civil servant argued .
READ MORE : 'Leo 's laughing at us ! '
Varadkar crisis as Irish leader ignores ADVICE '' Only time and the public inquiry that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the true extent of this .
`` It ’ s entirely plausible that the undermining of the lockdown rules so carefully set out by public health officials may yet be counted in lives lost .
`` Meanwhile , the sobering reality for the civil service twitterer is that the Cabinet Office praetorian guard will spend more energy trying to identify them than it ever will on investigating Cummings ’ s lockdown misdeeds .
`` The hunt may now be on , but the resistance continues . ''
Mr Ross , Under Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement issued this morning : `` There was much I still hoped to do in this role but events over the last few days mean I can no longer serve as a member of this Government .
`` I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgment on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family .

Dominic Cummings: Johnson says he 'regrets' the anger caused
Mr Cummings yesterday took the extraordinary step of coming to Downing Street to read a statement about his decision to drive 260 miles to the North East, together with his wife and child, after his wife fell ill. He justified his decision by saying he believed his trip was necessary to ensure they were near relatives in case they needed childcare - but the controversy rumbles on, with junior minister Douglas Ross today resigning in protest at Mr Cummings' apparent ignoring of the guidelines.
Trending
Additionally, a swiftly-deleted message carried on the Government's official Civil Service account in apparent response to Boris Johnson's defence of Mr Cummings during the coronavirus briefing on Saturday simply said: “Arrogant and offensive. Can you imagine working with these truth twisters?” Writing in the Guardian, an unnamed civil servant, whom the newspaper says works in a Whitehall department, said: "This was speaking truth to power. "This was a shot across the bow. This was a tiny flare sent up from the government trenches, in solidarity with anyone who has ever felt like they’ve been 'sent over the top' by an implacable ruling class for whom the rules themselves are increasingly a disposable commodity." Back Express.co.uk's NHS Heroes campaign
Dominic Cummings at Downing Street yesterday
A TV screen is installed in the street outside Dominic Cummings's home by Led By Donkeys activists
The author said they hoped the person who wrote the tweet was never identified, stressing that if they were "he or she should qualify for the protection that the government by law has to provide for whistleblowers, who, after all, are allowed to break government omerta when there are miscarriages of justice, fraud, dangers to health and safety, or attempts to conceal any of the above". They added: "If there’s any justice, if my colleague is uncovered, he or she will face the same consequences as the prime minister’s chief adviser did, which will be b****r all (although Durham police might have other ideas)." The whole affair emphasised the "deteriorating trust in government, its conventions and its institutions", the civil servant argued. READ MORE: 'Leo's laughing at us!' Varadkar crisis as Irish leader ignores ADVICE
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The tweet from the Civil Service's official account
Dominic Cummings pictured today
Boris Johnson and Douglas Ross visit a whisky distillery during the election campaign
"Only time and the public inquiry that is surely coming down the line will tell the true extent of this. "It’s entirely plausible that the undermining of the lockdown rules so carefully set out by public health officials may yet be counted in lives lost. "Meanwhile, the sobering reality for the civil service twitterer is that the Cabinet Office praetorian guard will spend more energy trying to identify them than it ever will on investigating Cummings’s lockdown misdeeds.
Coronavirus map UK
"The hunt may now be on, but the resistance continues." Mr Ross, Under Secretary of State for Scotland, said in a statement issued this morning: "There was much I still hoped to do in this role but events over the last few days mean I can no longer serve as a member of this Government. "I have never met Dominic Cummings so my judgment on this matter has always been open and I accept his statement on Monday afternoon clarified the actions he took in what he felt were the best interests of his family.
Boris Johnson during yesterday's coronavirus briefing at Number 10


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings timeline MAPPED: Where Dominic Cummings travelled revealed

Dominic Cummings has been the chief adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson since July 2019 but is now facing calls to resign after he travelled to visit his parents ’ farm in Durham during the coronavirus lockdown .
The aide insists he has done nothing wrong , saying he had `` no regrets '' over his actions , but the extraordinary press conference on Monday night seems to have only heightened anger over his movements .
Express.co.uk has compiled an easy guide to show where Dominic Cummings travelled to and when .
The PM announced people must remain at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have coronavirus symptoms .
He also said if one member of a household thinks they have COVID-19 symptoms , the whole household must stay at home for 14 days .
Mr Johnson added : “ Children should not be left with older grandparents , or older relatives , who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups . ''
New Government guidance was published mandating people remain at their “ primary residence ” and not take steps to visit second homes .
Mr Johnson rolled out the lockdown stating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential travel : shopping for basic necessities , one form of exercise a day , medical needs or to provide care to a vulnerable person .
Mr Johnson is confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus and Mr Cummings is seen leaving Downing Street shortly after the PM posted a video confirming his diagnosis .
On Monday , Mr Cummings said : “ I suddenly got a call from my wife who was looking after our four-year-old child .
She told me she suddenly felt badly ill. ” He explained he went home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had returned to work .
That evening , he said he `` drove up to Durham '' and arrived at `` roughly midnight '' with his family .
Mr Cummings said he awoke “ in pain and clearly had COVID-19 symptoms , including a bad headache and serious fever ” .
Durham Police received “ reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city ” .
The force says officers `` made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating in part of the house '' .
Durham Police spoke to Mr Cummings ’ father who confirmed the family were staying at the property .
In a statement , the police said : “ We can further confirm that our officer gave no specific advice on coronavirus to any members of the family and that Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required in that regard .
`` Our officer did , however , provide the family with advice on security issues . ''
Overnight , Mr Cummings ’ son was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 999 and the boy was taken to hospital by ambulance .
Mr Cummings said he was too ill to go , but his wife went with their son .
The next day Mr Cumminfgs said his wife called to say their son had recovered and could return home .
Mr Cummings drove to the hospital to pick his wife and son up but says he did not leave the car or have any contact with another person .
DO N'T MISS Eamonn Holmes snaps at Alastair Campbell in Cummings row [ INSIGHT ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Durham row [ EXPLAINER ] Burley erupts at Gove over Cummings Barnard Castle 'eyesight ' excuse [ VIDEO ] The Cummings family were seen outside their family home , according to a neighbour speaking to the Daily Mail and the Guardian .
They told the publications : “ I got the shock of my life as I looked over to the gates and saw him.
” However , Mr Cummings has denied being in his parent ’ s garden and instead maintains he only ever had shouted conversations at a good distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbours “ in the normal sense of the word ” and the nearest homes to his parent ’ s home are about half a mile away .
England ’ s deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries announced being too ill to look after a small child is deemed an “ exceptional circumstance ” to lockdown rules .
Mr Cummings is told he is permitted to return to work and seek childcare after seeking medical advice .
The political adviser and his family were allegedly spotted 30 miles from Durham in the town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday .
One person who spotted Mr Cummings told Sky : “ They looked as if they 'd been for a walk by the river .
It did n't seem right because I assumed he would be in London .
“ You do n't take the virus from one part of the country to another.
” During Monday ’ s conference , Mr Cummings confirmed the trip had taken place and justified the trip claiming he undertook it to check his eyesight was well enough to drive home .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease .
“ She did n't want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child , given how ill I had been.
” Mr Cummings said once the family arrived on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town they parked by a river and discussed the situation agreeing he was well enough to drive to London .
However , he then “ felt a bit sick ” and walked around 10 to 15 metres from the car to the riverbank nearby , sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better .
Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street after recovering from symptoms .
Questions were raised about his adherence to social distancing advice as he is photographed walking in Downing Street with fellow aide Cleo Watson .
Witnesses claim Mr Cummings had been spotted near his parents ’ home , back in Durham .
However , the political adviser has categorically denied these claims .
On Monday he said : “ Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false , I was in London on that day.
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article in Spectator about his illness .
She wrote : “ I felt breathless , sometimes achy , but Dom could n't get out of bed .
“ Day in , day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs .
“ He could breathe , but only in a limited , shallow way.
” In the press conference on May 25 , Mr Cummings said he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and concerns about his family 's safety .
He declined to apologise for his actions , but conceded that `` reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances '' .
However , he said : `` I do n't regret what I did ...
I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances .
The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances .
`` And I think that the situation that I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old . ''
The aide also revealed that despite the backlash he has `` not considered '' resigning .
The political storm overshadowed an announcement by Boris Johnson that all shops across England will be able to open next month if they can meet the coronavirus guidelines to protect shoppers and workers .

Douglas Ross resigns after Dominic Cummings lockdown row
Dominic Cummings has been the chief adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson since July 2019 but is now facing calls to resign after he travelled to visit his parents’ farm in Durham during the coronavirus lockdown. The aide insists he has done nothing wrong, saying he had "no regrets" over his actions, but the extraordinary press conference on Monday night seems to have only heightened anger over his movements. Express.co.uk has compiled an easy guide to show where Dominic Cummings travelled to and when.
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March 18 The PM announced people must remain at home for seven days if they believe they have coronavirus symptoms. He also said if one member of a household thinks they have COVID-19 symptoms, the whole household must stay at home for 14 days. Mr Johnson added: “Children should not be left with older grandparents, or older relatives, who may be particularly vulnerable or fall into some of the vulnerable groups." March 22 New Government guidance was published mandating people remain at their “primary residence” and not take steps to visit second homes. March 23 Mr Johnson rolled out the lockdown stating people must stay at home except for essential travel: shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise a day, medical needs or to provide care to a vulnerable person. READ MORE: Coronavirus symptoms: GP finds major hole in Dominic Cummings' story
Dominic Cummings timeline MAPPED: Where exactly did Dominic Cummings travel in March and April?
Dominic Cummings timeline MAPPED: Mr Cummings awoke with COVID-19 symptoms on March 28
READ MORE Dominic Cummings' brutal four-year Downing Street war exposed March 27 Mr Johnson is confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus and Mr Cummings is seen leaving Downing Street shortly after the PM posted a video confirming his diagnosis. On Monday, Mr Cummings said: “I suddenly got a call from my wife who was looking after our four-year-old child. She told me she suddenly felt badly ill.” He explained he went home and when his wife felt better he had returned to work. That evening, he said he "drove up to Durham" and arrived at "roughly midnight" with his family. March 28 Mr Cummings said he awoke “in pain and clearly had COVID-19 symptoms, including a bad headache and serious fever”. March 30 Downing Street confirmed Mr Cummings is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms. Durham Police received “reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city”. The force says officers "made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house".
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Dominic Cummings timeline MAPPED: Mr Cummings' son was taken to hospital via ambulance on April 2
April 1 Durham Police spoke to Mr Cummings’ father who confirmed the family were staying at the property. In a statement, the police said: “We can further confirm that our officer gave no specific advice on coronavirus to any members of the family and that Durham Constabulary deemed that no further action was required in that regard. "Our officer did, however, provide the family with advice on security issues." April 2 Overnight, Mr Cummings’ son was taken ill and so the couple called 999 and the boy was taken to hospital by ambulance. Mr Cummings said he was too ill to go, but his wife went with their son. April 3 The next day Mr Cumminfgs said his wife called to say their son had recovered and could return home. Mr Cummings drove to the hospital to pick his wife and son up but says he did not leave the car or have any contact with another person. DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Dominic Cummings chaos: Why didn’t his WIFE drive? April 5 The Cummings family were seen outside their family home, according to a neighbour speaking to the Daily Mail and the Guardian. They told the publications: “I got the shock of my life as I looked over to the gates and saw him.” However, Mr Cummings has denied being in his parent’s garden and instead maintains he only ever had shouted conversations at a good distance. He added his parents have no neighbours “in the normal sense of the word” and the nearest homes to his parent’s home are about half a mile away. April 10 England’s deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries announced being too ill to look after a small child is deemed an “exceptional circumstance” to lockdown rules. April 11 Mr Cummings is told he is permitted to return to work and seek childcare after seeking medical advice.
Dominic Cummings timeline MAPPED: Mr Cummings spoke out about the row on Monday May 25
Dominic Cummings timeline mapped: A timeline of Dominic Cummings wherabouts
April 12 The political adviser and his family were allegedly spotted 30 miles from Durham in the town of Barnard Castle on his wife’s birthday. One person who spotted Mr Cummings told Sky: “They looked as if they'd been for a walk by the river. It didn't seem right because I assumed he would be in London. “You don't take the virus from one part of the country to another.” During Monday’s conference, Mr Cummings confirmed the trip had taken place and justified the trip claiming he undertook it to check his eyesight was well enough to drive home. He said: “My wife was very worried, particularly given my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease. “She didn't want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child, given how ill I had been.” Mr Cummings said once the family arrived on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town they parked by a river and discussed the situation agreeing he was well enough to drive to London. However, he then “felt a bit sick” and walked around 10 to 15 metres from the car to the riverbank nearby, sitting there for 15 minutes until he felt better. April 14 Mr Cummings is pictured in Downing Street after recovering from symptoms. Questions were raised about his adherence to social distancing advice as he is photographed walking in Downing Street with fellow aide Cleo Watson. April 19 Witnesses claim Mr Cummings had been spotted near his parents’ home, back in Durham. However, the political adviser has categorically denied these claims. On Monday he said: “Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false, I was in London on that day.” April 25 Mr Cummings’ wife Mary Wakefield writes an article in Spectator about his illness. She wrote: “I felt breathless, sometimes achy, but Dom couldn't get out of bed. “Day in, day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs. “He could breathe, but only in a limited, shallow way.”


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings father: Who are Dominic Cummings' parents? Inside farm funded by EU

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Boris Johnson 's senior aide Dominic Cummings has come under fire after he said he did not regret his decision to drive 260 miles to his parent 's farm in Durham during the UK lockdown .
The top aide said his decision was based not only on fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with COVID-19 after he and his wife began to display symptoms , but also concerns about his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference in Downing Street 's rose garden on Monday , Mr Cummings said stories suggested he had opposed lockdown and `` did not care about many deaths '' .
He added : `` The truth is that I had argued for lockdown , I did not oppose it but these stories had created a very bad atmosphere around my home , I was subjected to threats of violence , people came to my house shouting threats , there were posts on social media encouraging attacks . ''
Mr Cummings said he was worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , adding : `` I was worried about the possibility of leaving my wife and child at home all day and often into the night while I worked in Number 10 .
`` I thought the best thing to do in all the circumstances was to drive to an isolated cottage on my father 's farm . ''
Mr Cummings added : `` If you have got a child that 's four years old and neither of you can look after him , the guidance does n't say 'you have just got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think I have behaved reasonably given the circumstances and the different things I had to try and weigh up . ''


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings petition: Petition to sack Mr Cummings reaches 646,000 – will he quit?

Dominic Cummings is at the centre of a national row regarding an alleged breach of coronavirus lockdown rules in March .
The PM ’ s chief aide has been accused of driving from London to Durham at the height of lockdown restrictions in breach of lockdown rules .
But how many believe Mr Cummings should resign and will he quit ?
Dominic Cummmings is Boris Johnson ’ s closest political adviser working in the upper reaches of the Government and Conservative Party for almost 20 years .
Mr Cummings was seen leaving Downing Street on March 27 and three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus symptoms .
But despite the UK being on lockdown , it is claimed Mr Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to Durham between March 27 and 31 .
Police in Durham were `` made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city '' on March 31 .
Officers then `` made contact with the owners of that address '' .
Mr Cummings claimed and his wife made the trip in order to organise childcare support after the pair displayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror and The Observer , Mr Cummings then visited Barnard Castle , located 30 miles from his parents ’ home in Durham .
Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in the county after he had returned to London in mid-April .
Speaking to reporters at Downing Street on Monday Mr Cummings said he believed he had acted `` reasonably '' and legally when he drove 260 miles from home in March .
Mr Johnson faced a backlash on Sunday for his failure to sack Mr Cummings .
Speaking from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I want to begin by answering the big question that people have been asking in the last 48 hours .
“ And that is – 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 , to stay at home while some people have been basically flouting those rules and endangering lives ?
“ And it is because I take this matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious that I can tell you today I have had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare , at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus .
“ And when he had no alternative , I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent .
And I do not mark him down for that .
And though there have been many other allegations about what happened when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of them palpably false .
“ I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly , and legally , and with integrity , and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives .
“ And I stress this fundamental aim because it is thanks to this country ’ s collective resolve in achieving that aim that we continue to make progress.
” On Monday in a bid to divert attention from the row over Mr Cummings , the PM announced that thousands of high street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across England could open next month once they are COVID-19 safe .
DO N'T MISS Boris Johnson stands by under fire aide Dominic Cummings [ INSIGHT ] How Dominic Cummings was saved by the government using THESE defences [ EXPLAINER ] Piers Morgan blasts Boris Johnson after defending Dominic Cummings [ VIDEO ] • 'Get her off ! '
Sturgeon suffers furious backlash after BBC interview So far , 15 Tory MPs including Steve Baker , Tim Loughton and Caroline Nokes , have called for Mr Cummings ’ s resignation .
Former minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with the guidance he himself helped draw up .
`` It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
Senior Church of England bishops and a scientist advising the Government on the pandemic have also criticised the Government ’ s handling of the row .
A frontline cardiology registrar has vowed to resign if the PM ’ s chief adviser does not resign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of 7.20am , more than 646,000 members of the public have signed this online petition calling for Mr Cummings ’ s resignation .
Writing on the petition , one person wrote : “ Thousands of grieving families are not allowed to see hospitalised loved ones before they pass - NO ONE is excused for flouting the law .
Especially 10 Downing St !
” Another added : “ There 's no justification for travelling 250miles for family support , we all have to rely on local friends and online shops when isolating.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be one rule for us common folk and another for those in Westminster .
What happened to lead by example , shocking.
” Bookmakers believe Mr Cummings will retain his current role until at least June 1 .
According to Betfair , Dominic Cummings is at 1/2 odds to keep his current job on June 1 , while he is at 6/4 odds to lose his position by that date .
Betfair 's Katie Baylis said : “ The controversy around Cummings ’ trip to his parents ’ house in Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds of exiting his job have swung from odds-on at 4/6 first thing this morning that he would be gone by the end of the month , to odds-on at 1/2 now that he will still be there .
“ While there have been calls for Cummings to resign or be sacked , we have seen the opposite when it comes to what punters believe will happen , but this story is sure to develop as the week , and even the day goes on , so we wouldn ’ t be surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Dominic Cummings wife: Who is Mary Wakefield? How old is their child?

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s top aide Dominic Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to his family home in County Durham during lockdown .
Police have confirmed they attended a property in Durham after it emerged Mr Cummings stayed with relatives while he and wife Mary Wakefield were suffering from coronavirus-related symptoms .
Speaking from Downing Street on Monday , Mr Cummings confirmed the couple went to his parents ' home to self-isolate so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he or his wife become incapacitated .
In the hour-long press conference , the senior aide refused to apologise for his actions , although he conceded that `` reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances '' .
But he spoke further fury when he said : `` I do n't regret what I did ...
I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances .
The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances , and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old . ''
He also revealed that despite the backlash he has `` not considered '' resigning .

Dominic Cummings investigated for 'breaching lockdown rules'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s top aide Dominic Cummings travelled 260 miles from London to his family home in County Durham during lockdown. Police have confirmed they attended a property in Durham after it emerged Mr Cummings stayed with relatives while he and wife Mary Wakefield were suffering from coronavirus-related symptoms. Speaking from Downing Street on Monday, Mr Cummings confirmed the couple went to his parents' home to self-isolate so he would have access to childcare should he or his wife become incapacitated.
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In the hour-long press conference, the senior aide refused to apologise for his actions, although he conceded that "reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances". But he spoke further fury when he said: "I don't regret what I did... I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances. The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances. "And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances, and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old." He also revealed that despite the backlash he has "not considered" resigning.
Dominic Cummings wife: Mary Wakefield and Dominic Cummings married in 2011
Dominic Cummings has been accused of breaching lockdown rules
READ MORE Piers Morgan rages lockdown's over if PM doesn't FIRE Dominic Cummings No 10 has defended the move saying “it was essential for Mr Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.” Mr Cummings said he did the "right thing" by travelling to his family because he wanted to ensure he had childcare if he got symptoms. Downing Street added Mr Cummings believed he "behaved reasonably and legally" when travelling from his London home to Country Durham during the lockdown”. A Number 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. "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." Members of the cabinet have also lined up to defend the Prime Minister’s top aide, while the PM himself conducted Sunday night's press conference to respond to the allegations.
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Dominic Cummings has been defended by Downing Street
Speaking on Sundya, May 24, Mr Johnson said: "I can tell you today I have had extensive face to face conversations with Dominic Cummings and I have concluded that in travelling to find the right kind of childcare, at the moment when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus. "And when he had no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent. And I do not mark him down for that. And though there have been many other allegations about what happened when he was in self-isolation and thereafter, some of them palpably false. "I believe that in every respect he has acted responsibly, and legally, and with integrity, and with the overwhelming aim of stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives. "And I stress this fundamental aim, because it is thanks to this country’s collective resolve in achieving that aim that we continue to make progress." DON'T MISS
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READ MORE Gove ridicules SNP's authority following demands for Brexit extension Who is Mary Wakefield? Ms Wakefield is a journalist, columnist and commissioning editor for The Spectator. She has worked at the weekly magazine The Spectator for decades and was working at the weekly current affairs magazine when Boris Johnson was editor. She has also written for The Sun, Daily Mail, The Telegraph and The Times. Ms Wakefield has written in The Spectator about her experience when both she and Mr Cummings contracted COVID-19. The Prime Minister’s top aide was so badly affected by coronavirus he “should have been in hospital”, his wife has revealed. Writing in The Spectator, Ms Wakefield described how she was stricken by the disease first and her “kind” husband had rushed home to look after her. However, she went on, 24 hours later Mr Cummings said he felt “weird” and collapsed.
Dominic Cummings wife: Mary Wakefield is a journalist and editor for The Spectator


thedailyexpress--2020-05-26--Britons furious over Sadiq Khan's dithering Tube face mask rules - 'Show some humility!'

The Mayor of London has come under fire for his dithering on the issue as thousands of Londoners head back to work after two months at home .
Passengers have been advised by Transport for London ( TfL ) to wear face coverings when travelling on the Underground and signs at stations tell people to keep a distance of 2metres from others .
But the Labour mayor has so far declined to make it mandatory for all customers to cover their mouth and nose with a cloth or mask , a policy which many people say is risking precious lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan over the issue , as 10 more Londoners were added to the coronavirus death tally on Tuesday , bringing the capital city ’ s total to 5,892 .
One man said Mr Khan ’ s “ lack of action on the Underground madness ” would “ keep London under the scourge of COVID-19 ” .
A second man accused Mr Khan of “ risking a surge in the virus to assist his flagging position and to appease his puppet masters in Labour and the EU who , by the way , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third summed him up as yet another politician with “ no shame ” who has failed to show true leadership in a time of crisis .
The reader wrote : “ Once again , another politician that has no shame .
“ You failed to act in time to protect TfL employees and now you ’ re doing the same with commuters .
“ Resign and show some humility at least.
” READ MORE : Terrifying video shows how coronavirus can easily spread on tube Last week Mr Khan warned people could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busses if they were not wearing a face covering .
Addressing the London Assembly last Thursday , he said : `` Next week I 'll be considering whether I need to use the option I 've got to make it mandatory . ''
He vowed to pressure Boris Johnson ’ s Government to `` reach a sensible compromise '' on the issue , pointing out that some train services in London are not under his control .
DO N'T MISS Commuter chaos : Rammed train services during Monday rush hour mayhem [ PICTURES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 'sheer stupidity ' in London travel plan [ INTERVIEW ] ‘ I ’ m astonished ’ Sadiq Khan blasted for ‘ going missing ’ during crisis [ INSIGHT ] Mr Khan said he did not want any “ confusion ” for Londoners , adding : `` When there is a crisis , what 's important is to have message clarity .
`` I leave the option available , which is to make it mandatory in London only .
`` But I 'm hoping we can persuade the Government to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ an incredibly weak and ineffective mayor ” and said he is more “ concerned about his political image than people ” .
And another person was particularly harsh in his review of how Mr Khan had handled the COVID-19 crisis .
He said Mr Khan ’ s lack of decisiveness pointed to a game of politics .
Another said : “ No doubt all Left-wing politicians running our big cities hope for a new surge of coronavirus cases because they love their newfound power that this pandemic has brought them and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Sadiq Khan grilled by Piers Morgan over TfL worker deaths
The Mayor of London has come under fire for his dithering on the issue as thousands of Londoners head back to work after two months at home. Passengers have been advised by Transport for London (TfL) to wear face coverings when travelling on the Underground and signs at stations tell people to keep a distance of 2metres from others.
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But the Labour mayor has so far declined to make it mandatory for all customers to cover their mouth and nose with a cloth or mask, a policy which many people say is risking precious lives.
Express.co.uk readers hit out at Mr Khan over the issue, as 10 more Londoners were added to the coronavirus death tally on Tuesday, bringing the capital city’s total to 5,892. One man said Mr Khan’s “lack of action on the Underground madness” would “keep London under the scourge of COVID-19”. A second man accused Mr Khan of “risking a surge in the virus to assist his flagging position and to appease his puppet masters in Labour and the EU who, by the way, have no interest in people”.
Sadiq Khan has warned he may make masks mandatory on the Tube but so far has not
Many Tube passengers are using the Underground without a mask
And a third summed him up as yet another politician with “no shame” who has failed to show true leadership in a time of crisis. The reader wrote: “Once again, another politician that has no shame. “You failed to act in time to protect TfL employees and now you’re doing the same with commuters. “Resign and show some humility at least.” READ MORE: Terrifying video shows how coronavirus can easily spread on tube
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A woman is pictured wearing a mask on the Underground
Masks are not mandatory on the Tube
Mr Khan said he did not want any “confusion” for Londoners, adding: "When there is a crisis, what's important is to have message clarity. "I leave the option available, which is to make it mandatory in London only. "But I'm hoping we can persuade the Government to do the right thing.”
UK coronavirus map
One reader dismissed him as “an incredibly weak and ineffective mayor” and said he is more “concerned about his political image than people”. And another person was particularly harsh in his review of how Mr Khan had handled the COVID-19 crisis. He said Mr Khan’s lack of decisiveness pointed to a game of politics. Another said: “No doubt all Left-wing politicians running our big cities hope for a new surge of coronavirus cases because they love their newfound power that this pandemic has brought them and they will not relinquish it easily.”
A Tube passenger wears a mask