Brian Whittle MSP has released the following statement regarding Dominic Cummings:
“I understand the instinct to want to make sure your children are safe but I also understand the anger people feel towards anyone who appears to have ignored the lockdown rules.
The rules are in place for good reason and many of us have had to make tough decisions to stick to them. Many of us in Dominic Cummings’ position might have made the same choices for our own families, but we did not believe the rules would allow us to do what Mr Cummings did.
Although he might not have been publicly asking others to stick to the lockdown, Mr Cummings is a senior figure in the government and that position comes with a responsibility to behave in a way which is beyond reproach. Even if he didn’t believe he was above the rules, it is clear he interpreted them in a way which differed significantly from how the public, myself included, understood them.
It was right that Mr Cummings spoke publicly and explained why he made the decisions he did, but his judgement in this matter remains questionable. In a time of national crisis such as this, the public must have confidence that their governments are working in the bests interests of everyone, regardless of who they are. Whether or not his actions were within the rules, Mr Cummings actions have seriously damaged that trust and left the public feeling understandably angry.
It is for the Prime Minister to decide whether Mr Cummings stays or goes, but his continued presence is a serious distraction at a time when we should be focused on protecting the public and ensuring the country is able to exit lockdown safely. I think Mr Cummings should seriously consider his position.”
- Brian Whittle MSP (26th May 2020)
