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Dominic Raab claims ‘there was social distancing’ at G7 barbecue

Dominic Raab has come out in defence of G7 leaders after footage emerged showing them flouting social distancing protocols at a barbecue.

Following a day of talks leaders at the event relaxed with a barbecue on the beach cooked by Simon Stallard, chef at the Hidden Hut in Portscatho.

They were served sirloin and lobster and enjoyed hot buttered rum and toasted marshmallows around fire pits on the beach.

Sea shanty group Du Hag Owr also provided the musical accompaniment and the Red Arrows did a flypast, but many people were quick to point out the lack of social distancing at the gathering.

ITV’s Robert Peston posted two photos of the unmasked leaders conversing in close proximity on social media last night, prompting a fierce response.

Asked about it on Sky News this morning, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said “there was social distancing” at the event, despite footage clearly pointing to the contrary.

Trevor Phillips said: “It’s a pretty good signal that if you’re having a wedding and having it outside, you can probably have more than 30 people and not wear a mask”.

Related: Outpouring of support for Danish players who formed a protective ring around collapsed Eriksen

Jack Peat

Jack is a business and economics journalist and the founder of The London Economic (TLE). He has contributed articles to VICE, Huffington Post and Independent and is a published author. Jack read History at the University of Wales, Bangor and has a Masters in Journalism from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

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