Coronavirus: Defiant Dominic Cummings ‘does not regret’ lockdown trip

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily coronavirus briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Defiant Dominic Cummings ‘does not regret’ lockdown trip The prime minister’s most senior adviser, Dominic Cummings, has said he [does not regret breaking lockdown rules]( to drive 260 miles to visit his parents in County Durham and that he still believed the journey was “reasonable” as he broke his silence to fight for his political career. During an extraordinary press conference in Downing Street’s rose garden on Monday afternoon, Mr Cummings admitted to what appeared to be a second clear breach of the rules when he said he had taken a 30-mile trip to a beauty spot while in the north east. Despite calls from more than a dozen Tory MPs for his resignation, the aide insisted he had not considered standing down over the controversy. Responding to Mr Cummings, Boris Johnson said he [“regrets” the frustration and confusion the British public feel]( over the matter. At the daily Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, the prime minister again stood by his adviser: “Do I regret what has happened? Yes, of course I do regret the confusion and the anger and the pain that people feel.” He added: "This is a country that has been going through the most tremendous difficulties and suffering in the course of the last 10 weeks and that's why I really did want people to understand exactly what had happened.'' Mr Johnson also [urged shoppers to go out and spend next month]( to help revive the flagging UK economy, as he announced that outdoor markets and car showrooms across England can reopen from 1 June and all other non-essential retail - including high street shops, department stores and shopping centres - from 15 June. The prime minister said the moves were “careful and deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country” and would be dependent on meeting the government’s five tests for gaining control over the disease. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( There's now three ways to support independent journalism. Why not explore our [subscription options](, [choose to donate]( or simply [register for free](? Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Dominic Cummings’s lockdown breach remains an insult to the public]( [I'm an image]( [The four most puzzling lines from Dominic Cummings statement]( [I'm an image]( [Barnard Castle visit 'to test eyesight' says Cummings]( More news ['Damage may be done' to public confidence over Cummings lockdown trip]( [How many Tory MPs have called on PM to sack Cummings?]( [Barnard Castle’s Tripadvisor page overrun with fake Cummings’ reviews]( [Poorer areas miss out as £100m Covid cash sent to richer Tory councils]( [Two dead in separate bank holiday accidents on Cornish coast]( [Support Independent Journalism]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Would the NHS and social care survive without foreign staff?]( [I'm an image]( [Two killed at Memorial Day weekend party that attracted 1,000 people]( [I'm an image]( [Care watchdog urged to re-start routine inspections]( [I'm an image]( [Disabled patients must be involved in DNR decisions, says NHS England]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.