Cummings did not interfere in Sage meetings, former chief scientist says

♦ A member of Sage has said Dominic Cummings did not “interfere” in meetings.

Sir Mark Walport, the Government’s former chief scientific adviser, said he was not worried about Mr Cummings, Boris Johnson’s chief political adviser, attending meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, which briefs ministers. Sir Mark told The World This Weekend, on BBC Radio 4: “No, I’m not worried actually … the scientists speak very, very freely. There are a number of people on the phone, they don’t interfere and I’m absolutely confident it’s acting effectively to provide the science advice the Government needs.”