Police urge MP Stephen Kinnock to comply with coronavirus lockdown rules after visiting dad on birthday

Stephen Kinnock has been urged by police to comply with coronavirus lockdown restrictions after visiting his parents on his father's birthday.

The Aberavon MP shared a picture on Twitter of a "socially distanced celebration" for his father, the former Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

He visited his parents' house with his wife, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the former Prime Minister of Denmark.

South Wales Police responded to the Tweet telling Mr Kinnock this was not essential travel and urged him "to comply with the UK Government restrictions".

South Wales Police said: "Hello @SKinnock we know celebrating your Dad's birthday is a lovely thing to do, however this is not essential travel.

"We all have our part to play in this, we urge you to comply with @GOVUK restrictions, they are in place to keep us all safe. Thank you."

Mr Kinnock defended the visit, saying he felt "it was essential travel" as he was delivering "some necessary supplies" to his parents.

He added: "I stayed long enough to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Dad, and then I was off."

South Wales Police thanked Mr Kinnock "for the clarification".

"We recognise that it is really difficult for everyone at the moment to adapt to the new restrictions imposed," they added.

People who break the coronavirus lockdown rules could be arrested or fined under new laws introduced on Thursday.

It comes after Britons were warned the restrictions on their lives may last for at least six months.

The deputy chief medical officer for England said the UK will not be in "complete lockdown" for that time but said social distancing measures will be lifted gradually.

On Thursday sweeping new powers were introduced giving police the authority to fine - or even arrest - those who ignore strengthened stay-at-home rules.

The Prime Minister has urged people to work "together" and praised the 750,000 volunteers who have offered to help the NHS.

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