A CABINET minister was last night accused of breaking the government’s lockdown rules twice.
Robert Jenrick travelled 150 miles from London to his £1.1million home in Herefordshire— where he is now living with his family — after travel to second homes was banned.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
The housing, communities and local government secretary later made a 40-mile trip to visit his elderly parents in Shropshire, the Guardian reported.
He said he was delivering food and medicine and did not go inside their house.
Government guidelines say you should not visit family except if they need help, such as getting shopping or medication.
Mr Jenrick has been at the heart of the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
On March 23 new instructions were issued warning people to stay at home and not visit second homes “whether for isolation purposes or holidays”.
It added: “People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.”
Mr Jenrick gave a press conference in Downing Street on March 29, at which he updated the nation on the latest virus advice.
He later travelled to his Herefordshire property where he has given several media interviews via videolink.
The MP for Newark, in Nottinghamshire, told the Daily Mail: “My house in Herefordshire is the place I, my wife and my young children consider to be our family home and my family were there before any restrictions on travel were announced.
“I have been working in London on ministerial duties, putting in place the system to shield the group most vulnerable to coronavirus and organising the response at a local level.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
“Once I was able to work from home it was right that I went home to do so and be with my wife and also help care for my three young children.
“By staying at home, we protect the NHS and help save lives. I will be staying at my family home until Government advice changes or if I am needed in person in Westminster before the parliamentary session resumes after the Easter recess.”
Last night he also tweeted a response to the Guardian story, saying: “For clarity — my parents asked me to deliver some essentials — including medicines.
“They are both self-isolating due to age and my father’s medical condition and I respected social distancing rules.”
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
