Dominic Cummings Lockdown Breaches Have Undermined Public Trust

Stirling MP Alyn Smith has joined a growing wave of public figures, politicians and members of the public, calling for the resignation of top Downing Street aide Dominic Cummings.

Several national newspapers reported Cummings had flouted the lockdown rules, travelling from London to Durham as well as within the local Durham area to tourist spots. During a weekend media briefing, Boris Johnson claimed of Cummings: “In every respect, he has acted responsibly, legally and with integrity”.

Demonstrating deep anger at his actions, even several Conservative MPs are amongst those calling for Cummings to go. Mr Smith has called into question the Prime Minister’s judgement, and has backed SNP calls for a Cabinet Office inquiry into the debacle.

Alyn Smith said:

“My email inbox has been inundated with furious constituents, outraged at the actions of Dominic Cummings. Trust and transparency are crucial in the fight against this deadly virus, and yet Boris Johnson has instead offered weak excuses on behalf of his top advisor.

‘The actions of Cummings should be condemned in their own right, but the perceived cover-up by Johnson’s administration is jaw-dropping. The Prime Minister is simply wrong to claim Dominic Cummings has acted ‘responsibly, legally and with integrity’. Many have made deep and very personal sacrifices during this pandemic to save lives – and the actions of Dominic Cummings only serves to undermine this community response. 

‘The public are rightfully angry at the staggering hypocrisy of it all, and Cummings himself remains unrepentant for his wrongdoing after refusing to apologise. Faith and trust in the UK government’s approach to tackling COVID-19 has been seriously undermined. Boris Johnson now faces a true test of his suitability to lead the country through this crisis. Cummings must go, decency and common sense demand no less.”