Boris Johnson ‘sorry for any distress’ caused by exam results confusion, Downing Street says

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The prime minister is “sorry for any distress” caused by his government’s handling of exam results this year, Downing Street has said. And he dodged a question over whether he offered to resign over the fiasco, telling ITV News: “My focus is making sure that we put right the problems and my focus now is ensuring that all children are welcomed back in their school classrooms next week and the week after and I will be looking forward to doing so.” Asked today if Mr Johnson regretted the Government’s handling of exam results this year, a Number 10 spokesman said: “The PM is of course sorry for any distress that has been caused. “Our focus has been and will be ensuring that students can move onto the next phase and ensuring kids can get back to school next week.” He added: “So, as the education secretary set out and as we’ve said a few times now, we’re of course sorry for any distress and anger that was felt by students around the awarding of exam results this year. Asked if Number 10 had given prior approval for the trips, the Downing Street spokesman said: “The education secretary has addressed this himself so I’ve got nothing to add to that.” He added: “He set out that he went back to see his family in Scarborough and remained in constant contact with the department.