They said stage three of the road map “will see people capable of meeting indoors”.
The United Kingdom Government is set to allow “friendly, intimate contact” from 17 May as lockdown restrictions continue to ease across England.
The Government wants to see intimate contact “restored”, with more people “capable of meeting indoors” as the easing of lockdown continues, according to MP Michael Gove.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce that loved ones, not from the same household or bubble can legally embrace for the first time in 15 months from 17 May.
Downing Street has since played down but did not deny the reports, claiming no decisions had been made.
However, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove confirmed the plan is to restore hugging from 17 May, likely between friends and family.
“As we move into Stage Three of our roadmap, it will be the case that we will see people capable of meeting indoors,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.
“And without prejudice to a broader review of social distancing, it is also the case that friendly contact – intimate contact – between friends and family is something we want to see restored.”
Asked if that meant hugging from May, he confirmed: “Yes”.
“All being well, the Prime Minister will confirm tomorrow that there will be a relaxation, we’ve already indicated a proportionate relaxation on international travel, very limited at this stage because we have to be safe,” he added.
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