Will he resign?

Oh paddyanne my deepest sympathies to you and those close to you so deeply affected by this dreadful disease.

I can't believe that anyone could read your post then defend Dominic Cummings. This goes way beyond any political affiliations. This is the reality. This is why most people are doing everything possible to halt it's spread. No defence, no excuses.

WWM2 Unfortunately some people never will. Several posts on here supporting Cummings.

I have a severely autistic (adult) child. He is biting his arms and hitting his head because he does not understand why he cannot visit his grandparents who live a 12 hour car journey away (he had 5 visits to A&E with suspected head injuries from distress last year, his head is missing hair and he has a wound he keeps reopening - these are not trivial injuries) - autism does not allow you spread the virus around the country.

His wife was well enough to build palaces and he was well enough to drive - there was zero reason to drive 260 miles.

The autism rumour doesn’t seem to be that based in fact - original source seems to be someone mishearing something on LBC.

But even if true I have so many friends who have not been able to see their (adult) autistic children in months - in many cases their children have no understanding of where their parents have gone and are showing deep distress. Can you imagine their anger.

And for those who have suddenly developed a deep concern for autistic kids there is plenty on the government website detailing how this administration is routinely abusing the humans rights of autistic and learning disabled individuals www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/joint-select/human-rights-committee/news-parliament-2017/detention-learning-disabilities-autism-young-people-report-published-19-20/

Nezumi. I work with children with autism, the situation many of the families I work with has been unbearable. The government will 'use' anything to protect themselves, it is similar to the concern they have suddenly developed for children from deprived backgrounds 'falling behind'

Nezumi65..
what an extremely tough time you and your son are having. My heart goes out to you ?

Such a great post and an insight into what so many families have to cope with on a daily basis with little or no state help.

You have my utmost admiration ????

Nezumi I am so sorry to read about your son and the children of your friends. I sincerely hope that he will be able to visit his grandparents soon.

Nezumi thank you for that window into the world of autism and learning difficulties and the terrible effects this pandemic is having on their already complex lives.

I do hope those on Gransnet who are defending DC on the grounds of having a child with (possible) autism are also fully paid up members of the groups campaigning for the human rights of people with disabilities.

Dear
@marksedwill
, as Cabinet Secretary can you explain how & why Cummings’s proposed press conference is not a breach of the Special Advisors’ code? Does this not state that advisors ‘must not take public part in political controversy’?

I see Dominic Cummings’ mother has been asking the press to, in essence ‘lay off’ as they had a death in the family from coved. So did thousands of other families, who still adhered to the rule.The apple really didn’t fall far from the tree three did it?

Whitewave he's not a civil servant. They are not politicised they (generally) have integrity and are in despair at the actions of Cummings and other SPADS.

callistemin exactly I’ve been banging on about it since the statement announcement.

Spads do have a code of conduct to which they should adhere.

Cummings is clearly above that as well as the lockdown laws.

Also possibility he will use his own health as an excuse.

Not sure there is much left as an excuse

All the Tory mps are using the same wording when replying to constituents about Cummings.

That is pathetic.

Cummings is answerable to the police and his boss. He is NOT answerable to the British public.

God I feel like swearing

I read that they had death of an Uncle in April and the daughter was given complete PPE and allowed to be with her father when he died. If this is true its disgraceful and upsetting for all those who were not allowed a visit.

Another point, I have a daughter who has learning difficulties and disabled and lives on her own. I had to remind every day about lockdown, no deliveries available and why her taxi driver couldn't take her out. I have been down to visit every week since lockdown but at times I could have done with staying a few night but felt that was a step to far. Now I wish I had just done what I should have done as a mother. Also can't believe that people are so stupid as to still be supporting Boris and Cummings, both who have no morals or compassion.

Barmeyoldbat that’s a difficult situation you have to face with your daughter. Especially when she has limited understanding of why you can’t stay over or why her daily routine has changed so much. I hope you can soon have peace of mind?

With regard to your point about a daughter being allowed to her father’s bedside in full PPE I doubt if it was preferential treatment for them.

My daughter is an NHS nurse and several of her friends are ITU nurses. In their units they allow one relative in dressed in full PPE when their loved one is nearing the end.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning the Cummings family and I hope he’s been removed before the day is over.

I think it is awful how people put a TV screen outside his home and crowds are gathering. This is unfair and wrong.

he is thick skinned and it will have no affect on him!

Any guesses on the explanation?

The popular guess is that he will say the CEO of PHE said it would be ok?

All I want to hear at this rose garden press conference is 'I resign'. Just not interested in any justification.

This has a very weird feeling about it.

He has the reputation of being brilliant at manipulating thought and decisions, so I wonder if we will all find ourselves manipulated and change our minds by this individual?

4:20 and we are being kept waiting. The arrogance of the man is unbelievable.

Contempt

If he doesn’t resign then Boris needs to go!