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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Roisin O'Connor

Charlie Brooker mocks government over Dominic Cummings row: 'He only did what any inherently superior parent would do'

Charlie Brooker has been tweeting a number of scathing takes on the ongoing scandal surrounding the prime minister's special adviser Dominic Cummings.

A row errupted last week over reports that Cummings took a 250-mile trip from London to Durham to his parents' house, after experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms.

Number 10 is facing increasing pressure to sack him for breaking the government’s strict lockdown rules, which include instructions to stay at home if any Covid-19 symptoms occur.

Brooker responded to health secretary Matt Hancock who claimed it was “completely right” for Cummings to find childcare for his four-year-old son.

“’Got Coronavirus? Drive across the country’ – Health Secretary Matt Hancock,” the Black Mirror creator mocked.

He added: “I’d say you just torpedoed your own credibility but let’s face it nothing could hit a target that small.”

When Michael Gove tweeted, “Caring for your wife and child is not a crime,” Brooker responded: “Quite right. Mr Cummings only did what ANY inherently superior parent would do.”

Author JK Rowling has also been responding to political figures attempting to defend Cummings, pointing out that members of the public have “missed funerals of loved ones because of lockdown”.

“Many have had to look after their own young children while ill. One of the architects of the rules keeping those people housebound drove across the UK, knowing he had the virus. Indefensible hypocrisy and selfishness,” she added.

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