Argues for immediate implementation of comprehensive hotel quarantine, citing ineffective existing quarantine system, recent rise in deaths, and lack of border protection measures. Emphasises need to prevent new variants from undermining the vaccine programme.

Acknowledges the need for tough action at borders but questions the effectiveness of current measures such as police checks, emphasises the inconsistency in Government's approach to quarantine and border restrictions.

Raises concerns about the lack of enforcement action taken by police when they find that individuals are not self-isolating at their addresses.

Clarifies that border restrictions should be understood as quarantine rather than a ban, but agrees on the need for exceptions in certain circumstances.

The Government's half-hearted measures lack decisiveness and do not align with international standards, as Professor John Edmunds of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine noted. The UK's approach contrasts starkly with that of other nations; the Home Office needs to engage more closely with devolved Governments for a consistent strategy across the UK. Additionally, there is an urgent need for tailored support measures for the aviation industry to prevent further job losses.

A blanket hotel quarantine policy would decimate the aviation sector and create logistical issues due to necessary exemptions, such as those for hauliers. The UK's position makes it difficult to replicate New Zealand or Australia’s border control methods given our geographical proximity to Europe. A nuanced approach based on risk assessment is more effective than a rigid system that could lull people into a false sense of security.

Ministers have not done enough to stop the spread of new variants despite recognising that border measures are needed. The Government's response is inadequate; quarantine hotels cover only a minority of travellers and testing upon arrival remains lacking. Countries like New Zealand and South Korea took early firm actions at borders, resulting in better control over the virus compared to the UK.

While supporting measures to restrict access from high-risk countries due to new variants, imposing blanket restrictions would harm the travel sector. Testing before departure and upon arrival could prevent infections without quarantine, allowing a safe reopening of airports for this summer season.

The border control staff at Heathrow need respect and support from the Home Office management. A strike is looming due to poor rostering decisions during a critical time, which could disrupt border operations. Dedicated workers must continue providing essential services to protect communities.

We should learn from jurisdictions that took stricter measures early on like Hong Kong, Singapore, and New Zealand; their success in controlling the virus is evident. Without border controls and strict lockdowns, the UK's approach led to over 100,000 deaths. Support for aviation must come alongside tackling international spread of new variants.

Warns about the consequences of porous borders, including the importation of different virus strains and the emergence of new variants. Emphasises the need for improved border biosecurity, equitable vaccine distribution, and effective test-to-fly measures.

Defends the government's actions on quarantine measures and border controls, highlighting that everyone arriving in the UK is required to isolate either in a hotel or at home. Criticises Labour for flip-flopping on their stance during the pandemic.

Calls for decisive action including a comprehensive hotel quarantine system for all arrivals into the UK, criticising the government's lack of early and decisive measures to control borders. Highlights New Zealand as an example of effective border management.

Critiques the opposition motion as illogical, pointing out that it would require all arrivals in the UK to quarantine in hotels without any exemptions. Defends the government's current measures as logical and proportionate, highlighting the need for flexibility.

The Home Secretary's reluctance to respond to this debate indicates a lack of confidence in their policies. The Government has consistently failed to protect the public, with Britain having the worst death rate per capita compared to other major countries.

The aim is clear: control the virus to save lives and get the economy back open as soon as possible. We are vaccinating people quickly, saving about 1,000 lives for every quarter of a million vaccinations given. Additionally, we need to limit movement and spread through measures like hotel quarantines.

The Government's slow response on quarantine measures is unacceptable. The Prime Minister’s approach has favoured business interests over public health, leading to avoidable second waves and current weak border controls that do not adequately address the risk of variant importation.

The Government must introduce comprehensive measures to protect against new virus strains while also ensuring support for aviation workers. The Home Office's rush in implementing a fixed roster at Heathrow has led to equality issues and strike threats from Border Force staff.

The Government are focused on protecting the UK’s leading vaccination programme—a programme that we should all be very proud of—and reducing the risk of the new strain of the virus, or any new strain, being transmitted by somebody coming into the UK. That is why the Government announced further action to strengthen these measures. They are also looking at health measures, reducing passenger flow, increased police enforcement, and ensuring that anyone returning from a red-list country completes their quarantine at a designated hotel. This was further improved on 18 January, when all travel corridors within the UK were suspended, meaning that all international arrivals who have departed from, or transited through, any country outside the common travel area in the previous 10 days will be required to self-isolate immediately for 10 days on arrival. This includes British and Irish nationals. I am concerned that Labour’s position on borders has swung from one extreme to the other. First, the Opposition criticised the Government for imposing stricter border measures in the summer, then called for quarantine to be ceased, and then claimed that our measures are not strong enough.

Time and again during this pandemic the Government’s incompetence has cost lives. They have been too slow to lockdown, too slow to build an effective test-and-trace system, and too slow to secure our borders. Despite the UK tragically passing the covid death toll of over 100,000 people, the highest in Europe, the Government still have yet to learn the lessons. We must make sure that our borders are secure with a comprehensive hotel quarantine system for all arrivals to the UK. That is why I support the motion. The Government have belatedly introduced a partial quarantine system, but that includes only 33 countries. We need a hotel quarantine regime that goes further and covers all countries.

It is extraordinary to be taking part in an Opposition day debate that is so poorly attended by the official Opposition. This is their opportunity to hold the Government to account on covid security at UK borders, and only nine of their MPs have turned up—nine out of over 50 Back-Bench speakers. I suspect that it is because they know that their leadership does not really have a policy on this issue. In the summer, Labour said that there was too much covid security at the border. But now there is too little covid security at the border. Far from quarantine being a blunt instrument, more of it is needed.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to take part in this most important debate. The Liberal Democrats will support the official Opposition at its conclusion. We agree with the motion, and we welcome the limited steps that the Government have announced, though of course it is, yet again, too little, too late. It was unfortunate that we did not get to hear from the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry), who was originally on the call list to speak. All around the world it is there for anyone who cares to look to see that those who are most successful in tackling the spread of the virus are those who crack down hardest and earliest.

The UK's vaccination programme is among the best in Europe, with over 21 million people vaccinated. Tightening borders to protect this success is necessary, including a new 10-day quarantine system with an option to reduce it if needed. The red list and hotel quarantine are excellent measures. New requirements for negative tests within three days of travel should be implemented to enhance health borders.

The aviation sector faces challenges due to new border measures, necessitating increased business support from the UK Government. The Scottish Government supports tough quarantine rules but needs clarity on criteria for adding or removing countries from red lists. Supervised quarantine is essential to protect public health and allow vaccines to be effective. The UK must take decisive action early to prevent further infections from overseas.

The Government's delay in implementing track, trace, and isolate measures for travellers risks undermining vaccine progress. Quarantine should apply to all international arrivals to avoid introducing new variants. The Home Secretary must address the dispute with Border Force staff at Heathrow airport. The test and trace scheme has failed to meet targets, leading to gaps in protection against new strains of COVID-19.

Defended the Government's approach to border controls during the pandemic, criticising the Opposition for failing to provide alternative strategies or evidence. Emphasised that scientific advice was limited and pointed out Labour's contradictory stance throughout the crisis.

Welcomed recent announcements by the Home Secretary but criticised them as being too little, too late. Recommended full quarantining at regulated locations and testing on arrival with subsequent tests for effective control. Highlighted issues in private testing options and NHS test policies. Called for tougher border controls, a functioning test-trace-isolate system, and vaccination to safely emerge from lockdowns.

Emphasised the importance of border security in Northern Ireland, expressing concerns over vaccine supply threats and the need for UK parity. Advocated for specific support for aviation and aerospace companies if strict travel measures are implemented. Asked the Home Office to secure the Northern Ireland border as rigorously as mainland GB and work with other Departments to ensure a thriving post-pandemic aerospace and tourism industry.

Saqib Bhatti emphasised the importance of protecting public health by supporting the Government's latest measures, including managed isolation in hotels for those who cannot be refused entry to the UK. He acknowledged the impact on aviation but stressed that these measures are necessary as we move towards vaccinating the entire British public.

Julie Marson supported the Government's decision to suspend travel corridors and praised the progress of the vaccination programme. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a secure strategy to mitigate the risk of new variants entering the country, while also emphasising the need for continued support for the aviation sector.

Rosie Winterton briefly mentioned that time constraints prevented all speakers from participating and introduced the final Back-Bench speaker, Ben Everitt.

Ben Everitt questioned the Labour party's stance on free movement of people and called for clarity on how their proposed quarantine system would be implemented logistically. He also raised concerns about potential impacts on the Northern Ireland protocol and diplomatic relations with the EU.

The Labour MP highlighted significant issues with the Government's approach, including a failure to learn from past mistakes and inadequate support for aviation. He stressed that health interventions must be accompanied by economic support and criticised the lack of conditions on financial aid provided to the industry. He also emphasised the importance of taking action now to avoid future crises.

The Government will continue to act in the best interests of the British people, focusing on distributing vaccines and protecting lives. The UK has vaccinated over 9.3 million residents, more than any other country in Europe. Mandatory quarantine measures for high-risk countries are being considered along with pre-departure testing requirements to mitigate new variants. Travel corridors are suspended due to increased virus cases this winter. Enforcement at the border is almost fully compliant thanks to Border Force checks. The Government will not implement a blanket travel ban due to the UK's status as an island nation and global hub, allowing essential freight to arrive via passenger planes.