Matt Hancock defends ‘momentary breach’ of social distancing guidelines: ‘It’s because I’m human’

Health minister speaks out after receiving criticism for patting colleague on back

Matt Hancock has spoken out about why he broke his own social distancing rules this week, after video footage from inside the House of Commons showed him reaching past yellow hazard tape used to keep politicians two metres apart — and patting someone on the back as he walked into the chamber.

When asked about the incident by Nick Robinson, filling in for Mr Marr on the BBC’s weekly political programme The Andrew Marr Show, the health secretary said: “It was just totally natural. This shows how difficult social distancing is. I know these rules inside out.

“I hadn’t seen my colleague for weeks and I really like him!”

When probed by Mr Robinson, who suggested anyone watching the video might feel “it’s one rule for you and one rule for somebody else”, Mr Hancock apologised, saying: “I’m incredibly sorry for this momentary breach — it’s because I’m human.”

Mr Hancock himself has already contracted and recovered from the virus once, having displayed mild symptoms at the same time Boris Johnson was hospitalised in March.

Scientists believe there is a likelihood those infected will carry some immunity — however, there is so far no conclusive evidence that someone who has contracted the virus is unable to catch it again.

The health secretary also confirmed to Mr Robinson that the government will “bring forward proposals” to reduce the two-metre social distancing rule. He said: “The proposals we’ll bring forward are how you can safely reduce the two metre with the sort of mitigations we’ve been talking about.”

But while Mr Hancock said he “very much hopes” to reduce the distance, he also said the government would only make changes “in a way that is safe and doesn’t lead to a resurgence of the virus”.

As it stands, the guidance from Mr Hancock’s department still clearly states that the public “should keep two metres apart from people not in your household or support bubble at all times”.