Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government will not apologise to holidaymakers affected when the quarantine-free air bridge with Spain was revoked – holidaymakers returning from Spain will now have to self-isolate for 14 days.
The government announced on Saturday that holidaymakers who had not returned from Spain and its islands by midnight would have to quarantine for 14 days on their return.
The sudden timing of the announcement has been heavily criticised by the travel industry and consumer rights groups however, the Foreign Secretary has defended the “swift” action.
He told Sky News’ On Sunday programme: “The data we got was on the Friday, it showed a big jump right across mainland Spain. That was then assessed yesterday afternoon and we took the decision as swiftly as we could.
“And we can’t make apologies for doing so. We must be able to take swift, decisive action, particularly in relation to localised, or internationally in relation to Spain or a particular country, where we see we must take action.
“I understand it is disruptive for those going through this who are in Spain or have been considering going but we must though be able to take swift, decisive action to protect the UK, otherwise we risk reinfection into the UK, potentially a second wave here and then another lockdown.
“So, yes, I understand it is disruptive for those going through this who are in Spain or have been considering going but we must though be able to take swift, decisive action to protect the UK, because we’ve made such progress in getting the virus down, and prevent the virus retaking hold in the UK.”
“We expect employers to show those employees who will have to quarantine because of the law the flexibility they need.
“If someone is following the law in relation to quarantine and self-isolating the way they should, they can’t have penalties taken against them.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is currently in Spain for his summer break and will join thousands of others in being forced to self-isolate for a fortnight on his return.
