Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Smith Excerpts

Thursday 3rd December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Robert Courts]

I am slightly confused about the hon. Gentleman’s reference, because the global travel taskforce most certainly has met. I think there is an element of confusion there. There has been extensive engagement in workshops with the industry. That has led to the release of a substantial, detailed report with 14 recommendations, of which the test-to-release scheme is only one. That work continues, as he rightly urges. I agree with him that it absolutely should continue to bring on many of the other schemes we have in the GTT. That work very much continues.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to introduce covid-19 testing for air passengers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Robert Courts)]

The Government will be rolling out test to release for international travel from 15 December for arrivals into England.

[Henry Smith [V]]

I very much welcome the Secretary of State introducing covid-19 air passenger testing from 15 December. What discussions has he had with our right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary about updating foreign travel advice?

[Robert Courts]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this very important issue. It is important to distinguish between the testing regime which seeks to address incoming passengers who may be carrying the virus, and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice which deals with advising British nationals on the risks in other countries. From 5 November, FCDO stopped advising against all travel worldwide and reverted to country-based advice, which remains under constant review and considers both epidemiological and other risks in each destination. Where the FCDO no longer assesses the risks to British nationals to be unacceptably high, travel advice is updated accordingly.