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Johnson’s Top Aide Pushed Scientists to Back U.K. Lockdown

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  • Johnson’s aide was more than a neutral observer, people say
  • King: ‘Dangerous’ for an aide to filter science advice to PM

Boris Johnson’s most powerful political aide pressed the U.K.’s independent scientific advisers to recommend lockdown measures in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, according to people familiar with the matter.

The government has confirmed that Dominic Cummings was an observer at some meetings of its Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the secretive body which gives specialized advice to ministers on responding to the pandemic.