UK should be open to the idea of 'air bridges,' says Home Secretary

UK should be open to the idea of 'air bridges,' says Home Secretary
Credit: Belga

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has acknowledged that the country should be open to 'air bridges' between countries, providing they are done in the right way, and at the right time.

Patel - who added that the UK should be "leading the world" in reopening aviation - was responding to a question following the government's broadcast explaining the latest measures to fight Coronavirus.

“The fact of the matter is I spoke in my statement, in my remarks earlier about the travel industry, the leisure sector, aviation, we’re at the forefront of a really dynamic aviation sector in our country," said Patel. "Aviation is, in fact, the lifeblood when you think about it, keeping people moving but keeping goods moving as well. We will look at all options.”

Related News

The main focus of the briefing confirmed that anyone entering the UK from 8 June will have to self-isolate for 14 days or risk a fine of £1000.

"As the world begins to emerge from what we hope is the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, we must look to the future and protect the British public by reducing the risk of cases crossing our border," explained Patel. "We are introducing these new measures now to keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating second wave," she added.

A number of exceptions to the quarantine, however, will be allowed.

  • Road haulage and freight workers, to ensure the supply of goods is not impacted
  • Medical professionals who are travelling to help with the fight against coronavirus
  • Anyone moving from within the Common Travel Area, covering Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man
  • Seasonal Agricultural Workers who will self-isolate on the property where they are working

Upon arrival at the UK border, travellers will have to provide the address that they will be staying, anyone refusing to complete the “contact locator form” will face a £100 fine.

"I fully expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures. But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others," explained Patel.

Jules Johnston

The Brussels Times


Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.