Many constituents have contacted me over the bank holiday weekend regarding Dominic Cummings’ actions during lockdown. I have conveyed your varied responses to the Whips and Government colleagues.
I did not want to be drawn into commenting prematurely based on media hype and opposition demands. Instead I waited until the fuller facts were available and to hear Cummings’ statement before commenting.
On Monday, 25th May, Cummings made a public statement explaining his actions and debunking any false allegations made against him. In his statement he defended his decision to drive to County Durham, after his home become a target of abuse, fears over safeguarding and lack of childcare if he became incapacitated.
His full statement can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mSyZGy8LX8&feature=youtu.be.
Having listened to his statement, I am sympathetic with some of this reasoning but I cannot understand the rationale behind his journey to Barnard Castle.
As a figure in the public eye he showed poor judgement, and I fear his actions may undermine the national message. Whilst he felt he acted within the letter of the law, his actions certainly went against the spirit of lockdown rules, which has understandably angered many people.
People are right to feel let down by this. Many people in Wrexham have sacrificed a great deal to adhere to lockdown guidance, sometimes at great personal cost. I am enormously grateful to each and every resident who has played their part to help slow and prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is vital that public confidence is not undermined by this episode and that Wrexham residents continue to follow Welsh Government advice, ensuring their sacrifices made, are not in vain.
My focus throughout this pandemic has been to use my role as your MP to offer support, guidance and advice and to help people across Wrexham, and that will continue to be my main priority. This weekend has been an unhelpful distraction from the genuine needs of my constituents, who write to me daily seeking advice and assistance with personal issues relating to coronavirus. We must draw a line under this issue and focus our efforts on our recovery plans for Wrexham, Wales, and the UK.
If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me:
sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk
020 7219 4885