WhatsApp messages claimed to show Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings 'misled Scottish Government' in early stages of CV19 pandemic
WhatsApp messages between Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson released by the CV19 inquiry appear to show devolved administrations were not being given the truth at the start of the CV19 pandemic.
Sources within the Scottish Government said the “jaw-dropping admission” raised critical questions around the quality of information shared with devolved administrations in the weeks leading to the first UK-wide lockdown.
The exchanges, released this week and sent on March 12, 2020, show Mr Cummings advising Mr Johnson to hold daily meetings on CV19. He states: “You need to chair daily meetings in the Cabinet room -- not COBRA -- on this from tomorrow. I’m going to tell the system this.”
Referring to devolved administrations (DAs) including Scotland, he adds: “NOT with the DAs on the f****** phone all the time either so people can’t tell you the truth.”
Sources claimed this amounted to evidence that Number 10 was lying to and misleading devolved nations on the nature and severity of the CV19 pandemic in the early weeks of the crisis.
Why is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas ALREADY in Aberdeen city centre?
Glancing into the Marischal College quad, rows of festively decorated huts have already been arranged across the scenic space.
This is despite the Christmas market not getting under way until the middle of November.
Now, an inside source has told the Press and Journal that it’s because of timings arranged in advance with Aberdeen City Council and Codona’s, who run the nearby Christmas Village.
They also said it was due to the “lead time and set up”, with the source adding: “Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is the Christmas village.”
Funeral firm investigated over ‘fraud’
The Serious Fraud Office has launched a criminal investigation into a suspected fraud at Safe Hands Plans and its parent company after the pre-paid funerals business collapsed last year, leaving about 46,000 people with a combined £60 million shortfall.
Nick Ephgrave, the new director of the SFO, sent notices to stockbrokers and financial institutions on Wednesday requesting information for its investigation.
It issued similar requests to UK banks and other potential witnesses last month.
“Thousands of individuals from all corners of the UK lost peace and security after being sold a product on the basis it would help reduce the burden on their loved ones upon their death,” the SFO said.
“Today we have taken another significant step in pursuing our criminal investigation into Safe Hands Plans.”
German Doner Kebab to open in Aberdeen within weeks after £500,000 revamp
Aberdeen is all set for an altogether posher version of a late-night delicacy with the eagerly anticipated German Doner Kebab opening its doors on October 30.
After a £500,000 revamp of the former Molton Brown shop on Union Street, dozens of full and part-time jobs with the company are being advertised.
The restaurant is set to open amid wider regeneration efforts to revitalise the city centre.
The store is currently recruiting across a broad range of roles, with 30 positions on offer – from part-time team members to shift managers.