Johnson UK Prime Minister, Finally Apologizes for Advisor's Self-Quarantine Violation

Prime Minister Johnson Expresses Regret Over Advisor Cummings' Lockdown Breach Controversy
Controversial Figure States "Did Nothing Wrong," "Does Not Regret"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologized for Dominic Cummings, his chief advisor, violating the self-quarantine rules for COVID-19. However, Cummings himself, the center of the controversy, denied any wrongdoing and refused to resign.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to British media on the 25th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson expressed regret over "the confusion, anger, and pain felt by the public" regarding the controversy surrounding Cummings. This appears to be a step back compared to his previous press conference the day before, where he stated that "Cummings was simply following the instincts of all parents" and expressed his intention to keep him in office.

However, Cummings held a separate press conference, stating that he "did nothing wrong" and has no intention of resigning or apologizing. He said, "I do not regret my actions," and added, "I have not been asked to resign, nor am I considering it."

At the end of March, when Cummings showed suspected COVID-19 symptoms, he left his home in London and traveled 400 km north to Durham, where his parents live. On the 12th of last month, he was seen at the tourist site Barnard Castle, and there are suspicions that he visited Durham again after returning to London. British media reported these facts and expressed concerns that keeping him in office could send the wrong message to the British public.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Cummings said, "The regulations make exceptions for caring for young children," and "I judged that the situation at the time qualified as an exceptional case." Both he and his wife showed COVID-19 symptoms and were unable to care for their four-year-old child. In response to criticism about visiting a tourist site, he explained that due to suspected COVID-19 symptoms affecting his eyesight, he was worried about making the long trip back to London and therefore went to Barnard Castle.

Prime Minister Johnson expressed regret but indicated that he does not want this issue to remain a point of contention. He said, "There are many tasks to be done at this time, but since this issue arose a few days ago, I have not been able to focus on work."

However, criticism within the UK does not seem to be subsiding. Ed Davey, acting leader of the third party, the Liberal Democrats, pointed out, "Millions of citizens have sacrificed themselves and followed the rules, but Cummings did not."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.