More than 80% of parents would not - and did not - travel for emergency childcare during lockdown, a survey has found.
Almost a quarter of people polled said they had been in similar circumstances to Dominic Cummings, who has this week been under fire for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham for that reason.
A survey of 965 Mumsnet users with at least one child found that the majority either did not or would not have travelled for emergency childcare.
READ MORE: Prime Minister to be questioned by senior MPs over top aide Dominic Cummings
23% of those questioned said they had found themselves in a situation where one parent was ill and the other suspected they may become ill too, whilst both were caring for a young child - however, they did not travel for emergency back up.
Of those surveyed, 90% said that in their view Mr Cummings and his family broke the rules of lockdown.
A total of 33% of respondents said that knowing the actions he took, they are more likely to break lockdown rules as they now stand – with 75% of those saying they would most likely do so to visit family or friends.
Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts said: “It’s clear from our respondents and the Mumsnet discussion boards that Dominic Cummings’ interpretation of lockdown rules was not how parents around the country viewed them.
“Many of our users have found themselves in similar circumstances with concerns about how they might care for their children in the event of falling ill but very few thought that meant they could ignore guidance to stay at home.
“Perhaps the most worrying aspect is that a large number of parents now freely admit they’ll break the rules to visit friends and family.”
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