The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Reaction to Cummings press conference divides politicians
Tory MPs back government adviser after unique media briefing but local Labour chief slams statements
MP for Peterborough Paul Bristow said Dominic Cummings did “what he thought was right for his family” as he criticised the harassment of the Prime Minister’s senior adviser.
In a lengthy post on his Facebook page, Conservative MP Mr Bristow said he was “sorry for the genuine pain and anger that has been felt” by his constituents over Mr Cummings’ trip to County Durham during the coronavirus lockdown and that he will pass on messages he has received to the Government.
He also revealed that he broke lockdown rules himself to be with his dad in the final few hours of his life.
In a press conference in the 10 Downing Street garden, Mr Cummings sought to defend his decision to drive to County Durham from London in March.
He said he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with Covid-19 and concerns about his family’s safety - but revealed that despite the backlash he has “not considered” resigning.
Giving his reaction to the press conference, Mr Bristow wrote: “A number of constituents have contacted me about Dominic Cummings and the media coverage of his movements during his suspected infection of the Corona Virus.
“As with any issue, I shall send individual responses to everyone who has contacted me.
“Like many others, my family has suffered tragedy during this difficult time with due passing of my father due to a brain tumour and my wife’s grandmother passed away from coronavirus. Strictly speaking I broke lockdown rules to be with my father for the final few hours of his life. I thought it hypocritical to judge too quickly.
“I know only too well how difficult this has been for families and individuals in Peterborough. I wasn’t able to hug my father or take his grandchildren to see him. I have read each and every one of the moving stories from families in Peterborough going through the same tough experience. Grandparents unable to see their grandchildren, families cut off from one another, and family celebrations missed.
“The press conference revealed if nothing else a father and a husband trying to do what he thought right for his family - whether or not you agree with his actions.
“Mr Cummings said himself in his press conference that he accepts reasonable people may not agree with his decisions. Some constituents have questioned things he did and decisions he made - this is fair.
“What is not fair is the level of harassment, not just in recent days, but over a prolonged period, that the Cummings family have had to suffer at their family home. This contributed to his decision to self-isolate his family in Durham. The same, Brexit-derived hostility drove parts of the inaccurate coverage over the last few days.
“Certain allegations like a second or third trip to Durham have been denied - as has claims of family gatherings, and visits to beauty spots.
“As our city’s MP, I have ensured that concerns expressed to me have been passed on to the Government. This is what the majority of emails have asked me to do. I am sorry for the genuine pain and anger that has been felt.
“Throughout this emergency - Peterborough has come together like no other city. We have fed the vulnerable and looked after one another. I have seen and directly supported many community efforts. It makes me proud of our city. Together we can beat this virus and make our city a better place.”
Peterborough’s other MP, Shailesh Vara, has previously defended Mr Cummings, tweeting: “Sorry to see people seeking to make political capital instead of giving priority to the welfare of a child.”