Covid-19

[CombatClaret]

Dr Mike Galsworthy
"My partner is a senior editor on the NHS website.
She sat bolt upright when Cummings said the NHS website says use reasonable judgement.
They have NEVER pushed such advice - because it’s ambiguous."

[Spijed]

Oh I agree wholeheartedly.
He was lying through his teeth no doubt.
That was still a great performance

That's the one thing about him that you have to admire. Like Alastair Campbell, he's extremely good at what he does.

Credit the way he handles himself and he does come across very well in the way he deals with these issues.

[Lord Beamish]

Oh I agree wholeheartedly.
He was lying through his teeth no doubt.
That was still a great performance

What a pass we have come to when someone outwardly so reasonable can find this anything other than rebarbative.

[FactualFrank]

Worried my eyesight is a bit dodgy, so I’m off to charter a plane and fly to Machu Picchu to test it out.

[Billy Balfour]

Thanks to Cummings at least we now know how grim living in London is these days, even in the posh parts. Apparently, there's no childcare whatsoever for the rich and there's no plod to keep top govt advisors safe.

[EarbyClaret]

I think he could have got away with this if it wasn't for the contrived Barnard Castle story that was only concocted because he had been seen

The problem BJ has got id that he went out on a limb to support him in such amateurish fashion that Cummings had to give a further press briefing today - which was quite obviously not on the agenda yesterday.

It's a free pass for anyone to do whatever they want from now on making the job of the police and the HNS that much more difficult in the process

[AlargeClaret]

Great performance from Cummings ,he’s put out a real “ job saver” show though there’s some bullsh1t in his story . Technically he didn’t break the law and it is a bit of a stitch up AND he’s a master of his art ,hence why Boris needs him. However as the PM’s chief of staff I think he has to fall on his sword as there are testing times ahead

[Billy Balfour]

He fitted his story to suit the evidence. It only took him three days to do it.

[CombatClaret]

ALL of his excuses hangs on the paper thin, single sentence of the guidance to those with children:

"Keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible."

Driving hundreds of miles, when taking his son to hospital took another person with clear covid symptoms, not checking there was any childcare closer than Durham, going for drive with the child you are trying to protect to test your eyesight because you are unsure if you are safe to drive. Attempting to go back to work despite suffering from symptoms himself. etc etc etc

All that was his best ability to adhere to the simple guidance to Stay At Home.

[ksrclaret]

What a bloody victory this has been for Labour though. They must be absolutely laughing their cocks off right now. For months now they'll have been scratching their heads trying to work out how to win back those voters the Tories took off them with their 'the people vs the elite' message. Turns out the architect of that, the Islington bubble-dwelling elitist Cummings, has done all the hard yards for them, quite literally. And that's before we even get to their handling of the actual crisis we're facing right now.

All Cummings had to do was resign with an apology of some sort quickly, and come back quietly in the near future. His ego wouldn't allow that though. It'll cost him in the end, just like every other person who thought he was too clever.

[Paul Waine]

Still dont understand why this was suddenly a problem because of the illness.

Sounds like an excuse to me but if true and it was that serious then Im sure he's reported it to the police who give a reference every time a report of this nature.

Until we say some evidence beyond it being just his say so then I dont see this as a valid reason for travelling to Durham. I fully expect you to agree with me on this this cos whenever theres been a critical story of the govt you've demanded unequivocal proof and have not been prepared to simply take someones word (especially when you deem them to have a bias or a conflict of interest)

Anyway the main point to my post was to try and understand why this suddenly became an issue when he was actually going to be spending all his time in the home and not be leaving his wife and child alone. Not sure you've tried but you definitely havn't helped me understand this logic so leave it there

I thought he explained that (a) there was an empty house on his parent's farm; (b) his sister and her two daughters (17 and 20, I think) lived there; (c) parents are in 70s, but niece(s) had said they could look after their young cousin; (d) he didn't feel it right to bring someone into his home in London, because his wife and he expected himself would both have covid-19 infection and, it wouldn't be nice to bring someone there because of the "people outside."

I'm sure transcripts will be available - maybe they already are. I hope my recall is reasonably accurate.

[CombatClaret]

I thought he explained that (a) there was an empty house on his parent's farm; (b) his sister and her two daughters (17 and 20, I think) lived there; (c) parents are in 70s, but niece(s) had said they could look after their young cousin; (d) he didn't feel it right to bring someone into his home in London, because his wife and he expected himself would both have covid-19 infection and, it wouldn't be nice to bring someone there because of the "people outside."

It's like he was given the last page of a mystery novel and told to work his way backward.

Except his wife chose to write a completely different one beforehand and he can't explain why.

[TheFamilyCat]

What a bloody victory this has been for Labour though. They must be absolutely laughing their cocks off right now. For months now they'll have been scratching their heads trying to work out how to win back those voters the Tories took off them with their 'the people vs the elite' message. Turns out the architect of that, the Islington bubble-dwelling elitist Cummings, has done all the hard yards for them, quite literally. And that's before we even get to their handling of the actual crisis we're facing right now.

All Cummings had to do was resign with an apology of some sort quickly, and come back quietly in the near future. His ego wouldn't allow that though. It'll cost him in the end, just like every other person who thought he was too clever.

I don't think it will cost Cummings in the long term. He'll always remain eminently employable be it in or out of politics. The Tories on the other hand could suffer as a result of this.

[Paul Waine]

And even you must agree that in Dominic Cummings we have someone who has absolutely no sympathy whatsoever in the suffering and hardship that many families have had to put up with for weeks. He basically stuck two fingers up to all those families who weren't allowed to go to funerals or care homes.

Heartless wouldn't do him justice!

Hi Spijed, someone posted earlier a link to New Statesman, article on interviews with DC's parents plus reports that his maternal uncle died in a London hospital with/from covid-19. NS says DC and uncle were close - and DC had not been able to visit him in hospital.

EDIT: NS says uncle died on 5th April. No mention of when the funeral was held or if DC was able to attend.

[Claretincraven]

I don't think it will cost Cummings in the long term. He'll always remain eminently employable be it in or out of politics. The Tories on the other hand could suffer as a result of this.

Bet they are still in Government in 3 or more years.

[CombatClaret]

I thought he explained that (a) there was an empty house on his parent's farm; (b) his sister and her two daughters (17 and 20, I think) lived there; (c) parents are in 70s, but niece(s) had said they could look after their young cousin

This is the childcare they drove 260 miles for but then never apparently used when they were both ill?

[Paul Waine]

This is the childcare they drove 260 miles for but then never apparently used when they were both ill?

Both DC and his wife have stated that her covid-19 experience wasn't so bad to stop her looking after their son.

What we also heard DC say today was that his son had been taken to hospital and his mother stayed overnight with him. I think it was just one night in hospital, but not sure.

[jackmiggins]

I don't think it will cost Cummings in the long term. He'll always remain eminently employable be it in or out of politics. The Tories on the other hand could suffer as a result of this.

Really? I thought he was ap..ap..appalling and eminently unemployable.

[ksrclaret]

I don't think it will cost Cummings in the long term. He'll always remain eminently employable be it in or out of politics. The Tories on the other hand could suffer as a result of this.

Fair point. He’s on record showing as much contempt to Tory MPs as many show him. Not like he cares about the party.

But his life’s work/ dream of completely overhauling the way government and the civil service works will be much harder outside No 10. That’s why he’s so desperate to stay. He’ll have to get on with whatever he wants to do very quickly now he’s on borrowed time. And whatever that is will be that much harder now.

[jackmiggins]

Both DC and his wife have stated that her covid-19 experience wasn't so bad to stop her looking after their son.

What we also heard DC say today was that his son had been taken to hospital and his mother stayed overnight with him. I think it was just one night in hospital, but not sure.

He tested negative and there’s absolutely no proof that any of them actually contracted the virus. All pure fiction.

[Devils_Advocate]

I thought he explained that (a) there was an empty house on his parent's farm; (b) his sister and her two daughters (17 and 20, I think) lived there; (c) parents are in 70s, but niece(s) had said they could look after their young cousin; (d) he didn't feel it right to bring someone into his home in London, because his wife and he expected himself would both have covid-19 infection and, it wouldn't be nice to bring someone there because of the "people outside."

I'm sure transcripts will be available - maybe they already are. I hope my recall is reasonably accurate.

You are answering something Ive not questioned or looked to discuss.

One of the reasons he gave for deciding to leave London was because his home was under threat from attack and he didn't want to leave his wife and child at home by themselves.

This makes no sense in its logic and without evidence that he has discussed this with the Central Unit who are a security body specifically in place to support high profile political advisors around threats against them then this just seems an excuse with no substance

I asked a question about a certain subject which you chose to respond to so either stick to what I asked about or start your own post about your own topic

[fatboy47]

As a children's safeguarding specialist, this now creates for me concerns that someone should be driving considerable distances with a young child with these clear questions around his competence to drive safely.

As such I can feel a referral to the appropriate children's safeguarding board coming on.

[Paul Waine]

He tested negative and there’s absolutely no proof that any of them actually contracted the virus. All pure fiction.

My recollection, jm, is that DC said he hadn't been tested. Where do you get the idea that he tested negative?

[Lord Beamish]

Seems so apt.

[jackmiggins]

Quite frightening that an unelected person can have so much hold on a government. Wonder what his policies actually are? Democracy???

[jackmiggins]

My recollection, jm, is that DC said he hadn't been tested. Where do you get the idea that he tested negative?

His son tested negative at the hospital in Durham.

[Claretincraven]

You are answering something Ive not questioned or looked to discuss.

One of the reasons he gave for deciding to leave London was because his home was under threat from attack and he didn't want to leave his wife and child at home by themselves.

This makes no sense in its logic and without evidence that he has discussed this with the Central Unit who are a security body specifically in place to support high profile political advisors around threats against them then this just seems an excuse with no substance

I asked a question about a certain subject which you chose to respond to so either stick to what I asked about or start your own post about your own topic

I have just checked DA. You didn't start this topic, although you clearly believe you own it.

[Paul Waine]

You are answering something Ive not questioned or looked to discuss.

One of the reasons he gave for deciding to leave London was because his home was under threat from attack and he didn't want to leave his wife and child at home by themselves.

This makes no sense in its logic and without evidence that he has discussed this with the Central Unit who are a security body specifically in place to support high profile political advisors around threats against them then this just seems an excuse with no substance

I asked a question about a certain subject which you chose to respond to so either stick to what I asked about or start your own post about your own topic

Hi DA, don't respond in that manner, please. Well, you can if you want to, but it's not helpful.

You asked a question about why he had to move from his house in London. I've answered that question. Yes, my explanation places the "people outside" as a secondary motivation rather than the primary reason. That's all it is - though it also explains why he didn't announce "hello, everyone, DC and family are going to my Mum's and Dad's in Durham." Perfectly sensible, I'd have thought. And, yes, as you'd noticed, when he went to work his wife and son would be in the house on their own. I expect that's been the same situation today, while DC has been in 10 Downing Street.

[Devils_Advocate]

I have just checked DA. You didn't start this topic, although you clearly believe you own it.

Im not talking about the topic. I made a post asking a question which Paul responded to. My point was if you are going to reply to my question then keep to the subject of my question. If you want to talk about something different to me then just create a new post (not new topic) without including me.

Hope that clears things up for you and dont worry about apologising, mistakes happen

[Devils_Advocate]

Hi DA, don't respond in that manner, please. Well, you can if you want to, but it's not helpful.

You asked a question about why he had to move from his house in London. I've answered that question. Yes, my explanation places the "people outside" as a secondary motivation rather than the primary reason. That's all it is - though it also explains why he didn't announce "hello, everyone, DC and family are going to my Mum's and Dad's in Durham." Perfectly sensible, I'd have thought. And, yes, as you'd noticed, when he went to work his wife and son would be in the house on their own. I expect that's been the same situation today, while DC has been in 10 Downing Street.

No I didnt ask that question. I asked why the security threat was a valid reason for him needing to leave his home.

Feel free to discuss this specific question but if you want to talk about it as a secondary reason along with something broader then Im not interested so go discuss with someone else

[Claretincraven]

Im not talking about the topic. I made a post asking a question which Paul responded to. My point was if you are going to reply to my question then keep to the subject of my question. If you want to talk about something different to me then just create a new post (not new topic) without including me.

Hope that clears things up for you and dont worry about apologising, mistakes happen

I haven't replied to any of your questions so I haven't a clue what you are talking about.
Have a nice day.

[Zlatan]

I have just checked DA. You didn't start this topic, although you clearly believe you own it.

Don’t contribute if your only contribution is unnecessary

[Devils_Advocate]

I haven't replied to any of your questions so I haven't a clue what you are talking about.
Have a nice day.

You chipped in and commented on my post to PW but completely misunderstood what I was saying. My last post just explained it to you but as you seem thick as mince lets just leave it there

[Zlatan]

I’ve always liked think as mince as a derogatory term

[Claretincraven]

Are Zlatan and DA the same?

[4:20]

Donatello's mask is slipping, did well to keep it place for so long.

[Paul Waine]

No I didnt ask that question. I asked why the security threat was a valid reason for him needing to leave his home.

Feel free to discuss this specific question but if you want to talk about it as a secondary reason along with something broader then Im not interested so go discuss with someone else

Hi DA, I can't help you any further with your question. I don't recall DC saying any "security threat" was the reason for leaving.

We now know, contrary to Guardian earlier reports, that DC's parents contacted police to discuss security concerns when DC and family were staying in property on their farm.

[Paul Waine]

Are Zlatan and DA the same?

No, two very different posters.

EDIT: I don't know why there are posters on here who sometimes add an insulting comment in their posts. It's a message board - open to all members of the message board.

EDIT 2: And, as you can see below, Zlatan has added to my attempt to answer DA's question.

[Zlatan]

Are Zlatan and DA the same?

Not sure, but we both seem to be objective and can analyse detail without getting emotional about things

[Devils_Advocate]

Hi DA, I can't help you any further with your question. I don't recall DC saying any "security threat" was the reason for leaving.

Well he did cite it as one of the reasons but as you dont recall then as you say you cant help me any further.

The question still stands for anyone else who can help explain why the security threat to his wife and child being left alone in his home only became an issue at the very moment Cummings would be in the house with them in 100% lockdown?

[Zlatan]

Hi DA, I can't help you any further with your question. I don't recall DC saying any "security threat" was the reason for leaving.

We now know, contrary to Guardian earlier reports, that DC's parents contacted police to discuss security concerns when DC and family were staying in property on their farm.

Paul, it was fairly early in his statement - he mentioned something about people congregating outside his house in the early days of the crisis and he said something about not feeling safe at home if both he and his wife were ill... happy to be corrected but it was along those lines

[Paul Waine]

Not sure, but we both seem to be objective and can analyse detail without getting emotional about things

Hi Zlatan, see my post above - plus my EDIT after I'd read DA's and your posts. I know that you and DA are different people.

Do you know why we have what I'd describe as a "bullying tendency" on this mb?

[Zlatan]

Hi Zlatan, see my post above - plus my EDIT after I'd read DA's and your posts. I know that you and DA are different people.

Do you know why we have what I'd describe as a "bullying tendency" on this mb?

To be honest Paul, I try to keep the insults for when they may be justified - like when the other poster is clearly trolling for trolling sake.

I personally do try to have a debate, even on this thread I’ve changed my viewpoint on some issues because my understanding of certain things have changed due to the debate. I’m open minded, there can be aspects of bullying on here, but there’s also a large contingent of posters who want to break the debate and troll, I must try harder not to respond to them in future.

[Devils_Advocate]

To be honest Paul, I try to keep the insults for when they may be justified - like when the other poster is clearly trolling for trolling sake.

I personally do try to have a debate, even on this thread I’ve changed my viewpoint on some issues because my understanding of certain things have changed due to the debate. I’m open minded, there can be aspects of bullying on here, but there’s also a large contingent of posters who want to break the debate and troll, I must try harder not to respond to them in future.

Please try harder when you are logged in as me as well

[1HappyClaret]

Thanks to Cummings at least we now know how grim living in London is these days, even in the posh parts. Apparently, there's no childcare whatsoever for the rich and there's no plod to keep top govt advisors safe.

This excuse that he felt unsafe has to be rubbish. WE WERE IN LOCKDOWN so no one will have been able to congregate outside his house and plod will have,over crowds of media on

[Zlatan]

This excuse that he felt unsafe has to be rubbish. WE WERE IN LOCKDOWN so no one will have been able to congregate outside his house and plod will have,over crowds of media on

Interesting observation, I hadn’t considered that

[Paul Waine]

To be honest Paul, I try to keep the insults for when they may be justified - like when the other poster is clearly trolling for trolling sake.

I personally do try to have a debate, even on this thread I’ve changed my viewpoint on some issues because my understanding of certain things have changed due to the debate. I’m open minded, there can be aspects of bullying on here, but there’s also a large contingent of posters who want to break the debate and troll, I must try harder not to respond to them in future.

Thanks, Zlatan. I appreciate that. There's some good information on this mb - we are all Clarets. Of course, I find I need to filter and skip the less "anti-social" stuff - it's very different from "anti-football."

[martin_p]

So I haven’t seen the statement, but from what I’ve read on here Cummings has admitted he broke the lockdown rules when visiting Barnard Castle.

[Zlatan]

So I haven’t seen the statement, but from what I’ve read on here Cummings has admitted he broke the lockdown rules when visiting Barnard Castle.

No, he has maintained he did nothing wrong

[Bordeauxclaret]

So I haven’t seen the statement, but from what I’ve read on here Cummings has admitted he broke the lockdown rules when visiting Barnard Castle.

The Barnard Castle story is just a social experiment to see how stupid some people actually are.