"Absolutely true...all of it" - Star Readers' discuss Dominic Cummings' testimony on government failings

Yesterday the Prime Minister's former Chief Adviser, Dominic Cummings testified to a joint parliamentary committee regarding questionable conduct, and his own complicity, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as other matters. Fair to say it is all rather controversial, No.10 also responded stating that it would not be responding to all of his claims or allegations.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

We felt it was only right to ask The Star readers’ what they thought about it all, here are a selection of their comments on the matter:

Jean Hepplestone was unsure what to make of it, saying that “I may have misunderstood it. But the enquiry is coming across like a playground squabble but one which has had horrendous consequences for a lot of families. None of them are going to emerge with public confidence.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At last, The Star uses a correct word” said David Booth, before continuing “Earlier it was "evidence" without any proof, now it's allegations, keep it up, you'll get to impartial reporting eventually. Cummings is just bitter about not being in control, he's a control freak. I can't, and couldn't, understand why on earth Boris trusted him in the first place, but then we all mistakes once in a while, it's called being human. In all honesty I wouldn't trust him with anything sharper than a broken pencil, preferably with the point well blunted.” Not a fan then David. Paul Flewitt responded to David’s comment, saying “I mean, if you want proof you just have to go back to the press briefings at the beginning of the pandemic last year. You know, where they literally said they were pursuing herd immunity?”

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Chief adviser to the Prime Minister, Dominic Cummings, arrives at Downing Street on November 10, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Chief adviser to the Prime Minister, Dominic Cummings, arrives at Downing Street on November 10, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Chief adviser to the Prime Minister, Dominic Cummings, arrives at Downing Street on November 10, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Peter Ealey is not one to suffer fools, “I am no fan of Boris and his sleazy cronies but if they were that hopeless from the start why the hell did Cummings keep working for them until he was sacked? Personally I think he's just as hopeless as them and is just saving his skin.”

Jenny Foster is of the belief that the blame should be shouldered by one person, “Absolutely true...all of it. Bumble is the liar and let thousands die needlessly...”, meanwhile, Sara Jayne says that; “No10 should be made to attend to explain themselves.” Paul Smallwood seemed to enjoy all of the drama, “Best bit of TV I've seen in a long while.”

On the otherhand, Sheila Wright erred on the side of caution, saying; “Just because he says it we all have to believe him. Would have had more respect if he had done this when he was in power and not after he got kicked out.” This was pre-empted by Donna Rogers Pyne, who said; “Don’t believe a word he’s just got sour grapes”, but this was questioned by Michael Frank, who posited that “he seems to have plenty of evidence.” This was further followed up by Paul Wilmot, who pointed out that “An eye witness, a key former employee giving evidence under oath with consequences. Cummings is many things but he's not a fool. I suggest you take off those rose-tinted glasses because Johnson is responsible for the deaths of thousands yet the lemmings still love him, falling for his 'lovable buffoon' act.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tim Mallender was not one for mincing his words, saying that; “Neither Cummings nor Johnson can finish a sentence without lying. It makes it simply an irrelevant circus act.” And Neil Wharton followed up with; “Cummings can't be trusted he's looking to amend his embarrassing mistake going to a castle to test his eye sight bad luck we go to specsavers.”

Rowan Colver said that; “he painted himself in a genuine light and his former employers in a dim one. Worth investigating anything that he said that damages confidence and trust in the government.” Steve Hunter is of the opinion that it all; “Sounded very plausible and Mr C came out of it well. But I'm pretty sure that as all the interviews are carried out the balance will be more even as to who, if anyone, should take blame for the undoubted failings. Will anyone have lied? Who knows. Will anyone have put their own twist on the ongoing narrative? Absolutely everyone!”

Finally, Rich Ward said (rather cuttingly) that the comments by Cummings “reveal much about a dysfunctional administration, one headed by King Boris, a preeminent charlatan.”

Unfortunately we can’t include all of the comments. If you’d like to know what everyone thought you can read the responses on Facebook, and here on Twitter.

Related topics: