'Barking mad': Welsh 'five-mile' travel plan criticised by MP

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Plans for people in Wales to be allowed to meet up with others up to five miles from home have been described as "utterly barking mad" by an MP.

Social distancing

Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire said that the proposals have clearly been "thought up by a city-focussed government", and that a five-mile restriction would not even get many residents to a supermarket in the county "let alone family or friends".

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said a relaxing of lockdown rules meant people from two different households will be able to meet as long as they do not travel more than five miles.

Under new "stay local" guidelines, which replace the "stay at home" message previously used by the Welsh Government, people will still need to observe social distancing when meeting in public or private outdoor spaces.

Exceptions will allow for travelling to work, to seek care, and shopping for essentials if they are not available locally.