MP Calls For Details Of The Mr. Cummings Case To Be Published

Many constituents have written to Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, to share their personal stories of the impact of ‘lockdown’ and how revelations of Mr. Cummings, the Prime Minister’s senior advisor, visit(s) to County Durham has undermined their efforts and public confidence in the Prime Minister’s instructions to the public.

Constituents in York Central have not been able to visit their parents, disabled children or other close family members in difficulty at this time because they have been instructed by the Prime Minister to ‘stay home’, and in one case, not able to visit their uncle who died alone at home, and yet his senior advisor has allegedly made a number of visits to his familial home and a local beauty spot.

Should the reports of Mr. Cummings travel arrangements prove to be true, and that he travelled to County Durham, then I believe that his position becomes untenable and he has to leave his position. The Prime Minister, in defending his advisor has further fuelled anger, as he has affirmed that there can be one rule for some and another for everyone else.

Rachael Maskell MP, “Every moment that passes where the public have not been provided factual information about Mr. Cummings travel during COVID-19, for whatever reason, the more sceptical they become in the validity of the Government’s instructions. In the midst of a public health pandemic, we all need clear instructions, based on evidence, to apply to everyone. If those at the heart of Government fail to comply with these rules, then how do any of expect the public to believe that they are essential for controlling COVID-19.

“I have written to the Prime Minister to highlight the views of my constituents and if the allegations prove true, to state that Mr. Cummings’ position is untenable. The Prime Minister has a role to show leadership, not least during this global crisis; he has yet again put his personal interests ahead of the country in defending Mr. Cummings.”

“I have been inundated with views of my constituents and they are angry. They have told me of the huge sacrifices that they have made to keep our community safe, and yet the Prime Minister continues to defend his own advisor putting public safety at risk. It is unacceptable.”

Other Ministers and advisers have also been found to bend the rules on restraining travelled since the Prime Minister called for the ‘lockdown’.

Rachel Maskell's letter to the Prime Minister is below: