Downing Street denies glitzy G7 barbecue broke Covid restrictions
World leaders were seen getting chummy in the Cornwall sunshine on Saturday evening.
Downing Street has denied a glitzy barbecue at the G7 summit breached Covid restrictions.
World leaders were seen getting chummy in the Cornwall sunshine on Saturday night, the penultimate evening of the event.
Host Boris Johnson could be seen eating and drinking with leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
But the PM’s official spokesperson was forced to deny the gang decided to ignore social-distancing measures for the evening.
Long lens pictures taken of the exclusive party appeared to show the large group standing close together without masks – scenes which might raise a few eyebrows among those concerned about rising case rates.
Under the current restrictions, no more than 30 people are allowed to gather at an outside event, while indoor events are limited to two households or six people.
The spokesperson said only 30 were allowed into the barbecue area.
The Government has previously said people can ‘make a personal choice on whether to keep their distance from family and friends, but they should still be cautious’.
World leaders are being tested on a daily basis and Downing Street denied they broke the rules.
The spokesperson said: ‘The event last night was done in an entirely Covid secure way and within the existing rules.
‘I’ve set out before the very stringent approach we’ve been taking to ensure we are Covid secure at the summit, including daily testing.’
No press was allowed into the lavish event, but it has been reported that lobster was on the menu along with wines from all the attending countries – with entertainment coming courtesy of the Red Arrows.
The 30-person limit on outdoor gatherings doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.
On Monday the Prime Minister is expected to confirm ‘freedom day’ on June 21 is going to be knocked back by at least four weeks as cases of Covid continue to surge due to the Delta variant.
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