Julian responds to lacklustre travel list update
June 4, 2021
Like for many of my constituents, the lacklustre review of the travel lists yesterday was a disappointment which has left me questioning the entire system.
I was originally a supporter of having clear designations for holiday destinations, which would give the consumer certainty in booking specific flights while allowing the travel sector to scale up operations as more countries were progressively added to the green list. The removal of Portugal from the green travel list, despite available data showing no major shift in direction since the last review, shatters my confidence that the travel list system can serve this purpose and risks permanent damage to the travel sector. This view is compounded by the fact several destinations now have covid data comparable or better to when Portugal was added to the green list yet remain on the amber list.
With no end point in sight for restrictions on travel, the sector is nearing breaking point and desperately needs support from the Government. This did not have to be the case if the travel list system had been administered effectively and with transparency.
It is ludicrous to think that this summer there could be fewer international holidays compared to last, despite our incredible vaccine rollout providing protection to holidaymakers, our ramped-up testing ability being able to better detect outbreaks, and there being more safety measures in place.
When Parliament returns next week, I will be joining colleagues in calling for Grant Shapps to make a statement so MPs can have the chance to hold him to account and to probe further into the Government’s decision making. I will be pushing for the Government to share all data and give comprehensive explanations for each destination’s assessment so it can be scrutinised and judged.
As ever, I will remain in close contact with local travel businesses and lobby for their futures, as that is what is truly at stake.
