Dear @10DowningStreet, I know some think I should be quiet about this, but I can’t get the #Cummings matter out of my head. Why? Because - and I say this as a v privileged person - the govt defence absolutely reeks of privilege and humbug. 1/

Mr Shapps’ defence drives a coach and horses through the lockdown regulations. It was embarrassing and I and many of others feel gaslit. Here’s the thing which breaks me, though: the deployment across govt. of the ‘family’ as a rationale for Mr Cummings’ action. 2/

I am deeply invested in the notion of ‘family’. To leave people like me who’ve stuck rigorously to regulations and restrictions - for the sake of family and good citizenship - feeling we’ve not ... what? Quite operated with sufficient care for family? ... 3/

... is just horrid. Whatever one’s politics, surely this situation has continued to undermine public trust in the government’s handling of this crisis.
Yours, Rachel 4/4