I have been contacted by many constituents regarding the decision of the Prime Minister’s advisor, Dominic Cummings, to isolate his family in a building on his father’s farm in Durham.
I understand why this issue has prompted so many of you to write to me: a sense of doing the right thing, fair play and pulling together are core British values. At a time when so many are having to make tough choices and sacrifices for the greater good, there is rightfully an expectation that those in positions of responsibility lead by example.
I understand that Mr Cummings is a divisive figure and that the motivation for contacting me on this issue will be different for each and every person. However, I do think it important that this issue is not politicised. One thing I hope we can agree on is that no one should be subjected to the level of harassment he and his young family have had to experience at their home from journalists and photographers.
Earlier this week Mr Cummings gave a frank, detailed account of events and answered many questions from the media. If you have not seen it in full, then I would encourage you to watch it: https://youtu.be/-mSyZGy8LX8. I wish that Mr Cummings had shared his detailed account of events days earlier so when this story broke, people could hear his version of events and the reasoning for his actions.
In his statement, Mr Cummings advised that he believes he followed the guidance by making provisions to ensure his four-year-old child would have childcare if both he and his wife became incapacitated - the guidance did offer discretion in some circumstances. These are difficult times and we all take decisions that we feel and think are appropriate at the time. Mr Cummings did what he thought was appropriate at the time to protect his child. Whether you agree with him or not, he believed, and believes, that this was within the guidance and was legal. I understand that Durham police opened an investigation following a formal complaint and concluded that Mr Cummings had not breached the regulations when self-isolating at his father’s farm in Durham but the trip to Barnard Castle might have been a minor breach of the regulations that would have warranted police intervention. I further understand that Durham Constabulary have confirmed they will not be taking any further action against Mr Cummings.
With regards to Mr Cummings' position, the Prime Minister has taken the view that what Mr Cummings did was reasonable and legal given all the circumstances and he considers the matter closed. Mr Cummings works for the Prime Minister and therefore this is a matter wholly for the Prime Minister, not me.
Speaking more generally, I understand why many are angry or disappointed. To address this public health crisis, residents across the country have had to make heart-breaking sacrifices and difficult decisions – not least being unable to see their families and their friends for months during a difficult period. I am in no doubt of the enormous struggles which so many in our community have endured over the past few months, and of the hard work of our key workers who have kept us all safe. This is why my focus has been, and remains on supporting people and businesses in Colchester through Covid-19 and my work as a Minister at the Department for Work & Pensions ensuring people have access to the support they need.
I know that some of you would have liked me to wade into this debate about the rights and wrongs of what Mr Cummings did, but I am sorry to say that I will not be doing that. This issue risks becoming a distraction from the very urgent issues facing both Colchester and our country, and my and my team’s focus remains on supporting my constituents through Covid-19. To be absolutely clear, I have full confidence in our Prime Minister and stand by him.
I will continue to keep you all posted as the Government works to lift the restrictions in a safe way so we can all be reunited with our loved ones again.
Kind Regards
Will.