Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Guidance on International Travel

Wednesday 23 June 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government Ministers are in regular contact with the Scottish Government to secure the harmonisation of covid-19 guidance on international travel while respecting devolved competence.
  • The UK Government is committed to full alignment with devolved Administrations to enhance public compliance, business confidence, and tourism.
  • easyJet cancelled a new route from Aberdeen to Manchester due to inconsistent travel bans, and there are calls for a review of the Scottish Government's decision to prohibit travel to Manchester.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on harmonisation of covid-19 guidance on international travel?

Answer from David Duguid

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps being taken specifically in relation to US rules and golf tourism were not detailed.

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Q2 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Economy Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from David Duguid

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps regarding golf tourism were not detailed.

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Q3 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Transport Scotland
Context

The MP discusses easyJet cancelling a route from Aberdeen to Manchester due to inconsistent regulations, impacting jobs in north-east Scotland.

Question

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?

Answer from David Duguid

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: UK-wide rules assurance was not provided.

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Q4 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

The MP recalls past inconsistencies in travel regulations between Scotland and other UK nations, questioning the impact on Scotland's covid-19 recovery.

Question

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?

Answer from David Duguid

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.

Not addressed: The question about regret was deflected towards criticism of the Scottish Government's decision regarding oil and gas workers.

How: Criticising Opposition

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