Covid-19 Guidance on International Travel 2021-06-23
2021-06-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of alignment in international travel rules between UK nations, specifically impacting golf tourism and overall economic activities.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on harmonisation of covid-19 guidance on international travel?
I and other UK Government Ministers are in regular contact with the Scottish Government and other devolved Administrations to try to secure the harmonisation of covid-19 guidance on international travel while respecting devolved competence. The UK Government is committed to full alignment, sharing data, creating structures for collaboration, but also recognising devolved decisions.
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Assessment & feedback
Steps being taken specifically in relation to US rules and golf tourism were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the significant economic impact of inconsistent international travel regulations on North East Fife's golf tourism sector, including easyJet cancelling flights to Manchester.
Golf tourism plays a major part in the local economy. With concerns about inconsistent travel rules and restrictions deterring visitors from north America, can he outline steps taken to reach consensus?
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. The UK Government is committed to full alignment with devolved Administrations for public compliance, business confidence, and tourism. We share data and have structures in place but respect devolved competence. Differences are not material but can be justified as legitimate.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps regarding golf tourism were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses easyJet cancelling a route from Aberdeen to Manchester due to inconsistent regulations, impacting jobs in north-east Scotland.
easyJet has cancelled its new route from Aberdeen to Manchester due to the inconsistent travel ban. What work is being done to ensure coherence in international travel rules?
My hon. Friend and I share a lot in common, including regular use of Aberdeen airport. The Scottish Government's decision to prohibit travel to Manchester is widely criticised as disproportionate; there are calls for review in consultation with interested parties. The Scotland Office would be happy to facilitate this.
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Assessment & feedback
UK-wide rules assurance was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP recalls past inconsistencies in travel regulations between Scotland and other UK nations, questioning the impact on Scotland's covid-19 recovery.
UK Government Ministers talk about a single approach but travellers from India faced managed hotel quarantine in Scotland while not having to do so in England. Does he regret damage caused to Scotland's recovery?
What I regret is that despite repeated calls from oil and gas industry, MSPs, and MPs representing north-east constituencies, Scottish Government did not give oil and gas workers the same allowance for amber list countries as allowed in England.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about regret was deflected towards criticism of the Scottish Government's decision regarding oil and gas workers.
Criticising Opposition
Response accuracy