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Covid-19:International Travel — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]
24 May 2021
Lead MP
Nicholas Fletcher
Responding Minister
Jo Churchill
Tags
NHSCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 13457
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Nicholas Fletcher raised concerns about covid-19:international travel — [yvonne fovargue in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Fletcher asks the Government to consider allowing people in long-term relationships to visit their partners as Germany does and to explore measures like extending self-employment income support scheme, full business rates relief for international travel businesses, wider use of NHS tests and lateral flow tests for travellers.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the impact of travel restrictions on individuals in long-distance relationships and the financial hardship faced by the travel industry. He cites a survey by Love is Not Tourism indicating that many people have felt depressed and hopeless, with some losing their partners to suicide due to extended separation. The cost of travelling to countries like Germany has increased significantly, making it difficult for couples to see each other. Additionally, 195,000 travel agents are at risk of losing their jobs.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Wolverhampton East
I am concerned about the impact of travel restrictions on people in my constituency who rely on tourism for their livelihoods. We need to find a way to safely reopen our borders.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Ben Bradshaw highlighted the separation many British people experience from family members abroad due to travel restrictions. He noted that more than one third of UK-born children have at least one parent who was not born in Britain, illustrating the scale of this issue. Bradshaw also mentioned that outbound travel generates £37 billion and sustains 526,000 jobs, while inbound travel contributes £28 billion and supports 450,000 jobs. He argued that the UK is being overly cautious compared to other countries with advanced vaccination programmes.
Bob Neill
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
Mr Neill supports the debate's importance, stressing that international travel is crucial for family reunions, tourism, business, cultural exchanges, and educational trips. He highlights the economic significance of the travel sector and calls for investment in technology to safely resume normality post-pandemic.
Damian Collins
Con
Thornbury and Yate
We should be looking at ways to reopen travel corridors with countries where there is a low risk of importing new variants, such as Australia and New Zealand.
James Davies
Con
Westbury
The current travel restrictions have led to significant financial losses for many businesses and individuals, particularly those in the hospitality industry.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Discusses the challenges of balancing travel restrictions with personal and economic needs. Acknowledges the need for strict measures to control virus spread but calls for support for the travel industry, particularly mentioning his constituent Nick Lee's business.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Huw Merriman expressed support for families seeing their partners abroad, arguing that people should be entitled to go on holiday. He highlighted the Transport Committee's recommendations regarding international travel rules and testing requirements but was disappointed with the limited number of countries on the green list. Merriman urged the Government to consider the success of the vaccination programme in unlocking freedoms and supporting the economy.
James Sunderland
Con
Workington
The success of the UK's vaccination programme should allow for a reopening of international travel, with negative test results and/or vaccine passports being sufficient for travel. There is a need for clarity on why countries are on certain lists and when they might change. The travel sector has been devastated by job cuts and needs further support from the government.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Mr Madders thanked the hon. Member for Don Valley for introducing the debate on international travel and covid-19, highlighting the difficulties faced by those with long-term relationships and family members due to travel restrictions. He raised concerns about the workload of local independent travel agents dealing with cancellations and rebookings without access to additional support funds. Mr Madders also mentioned the inconsistent guidance provided by different government officials regarding travel rules for amber-list countries, causing confusion among the public. A person who goes on the Government website now does not need to give a reason to receive lateral flow tests, which are free. However, there is no consistency in this policy for international travel purposes.
Martyn Day
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
The travel and tourism sector has been the hardest hit by the pandemic, with families separated from loved ones being adversely affected. Martyn raised concerns about end-of-life visits due to quarantine arrangements. He highlighted the Scottish position on overseas travel, including a traffic light system based on risk assessments. Concerns were also expressed over Border Force's capacity to handle passengers at borders and the need for responsibility to be taken by the Home Secretary. The speaker urged caution in international travel but acknowledged the importance of supporting jobs in aviation and tourism sectors.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
She thanked her colleague for securing the debate, highlighting over 1,200 signatories from her constituency in support of reviewing international travel restrictions due to new data on vaccine effectiveness. She supported the Government's road map but called for more pragmatic exceptions for small-scale, case-by-case travel affecting family units or critical support networks. Noting issues with returning to the UK rather than travelling abroad, she suggested exemptions for vaccinated parents and a manageable payment plan for those unable to afford hotel quarantine costs.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Olney supports the need for clarity on international travel strategies, particularly regarding country classifications and testing costs. She highlights confusion over criteria for green, amber, and red lists and calls for clearer decision-making processes. Concerned about economic impacts on businesses dependent on tourism and cultural exchanges, she emphasizes the financial burden of tests costing up to £150 each for families from amber-list countries.
Virendra Sharma
Lab
Ealing, Southall
Virendra Sharma discussed the importance of Heathrow airport for local jobs and urged the Government to provide certainty and support for its recovery. He also advocated for investment in eco-tourism that aligns with moral values and supports conservation efforts around the world.
Government Response
Jo Churchill
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms Fovargue. First, I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Nick Fletcher) for raising this important issue on behalf of the Petitions Committee. The debate ranged from the travel industry to business travel and covered family and friends, highlighting the complexity of the area and how difficult it is to get a perfect solution. International travel restrictions were necessary to control virus spread and reduce variant risks, but have also caused significant sacrifices for individuals who wish to visit loved ones abroad. Restrictions include a traffic light system categorising countries based on risk levels, with associated border measures like testing and quarantine requirements. The UK vaccination programme has prevented about 12,000 deaths in those aged 60 or above in England and saved over 33,000 hospital admissions for those over 65. Testing costs have been reduced from £210 to £88 for day two tests on green list countries, with the market expected to continue lowering prices as competition increases. The cautious approach is necessary to protect hard-fought gains and manage risks effectively.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.