Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made by the Global Travel Taskforce on the development of a COVID-19 testing regime for international arrivals and departures to and from the UK; and when such a regime might be implemented.

The Global Travel Taskforce has published its report, which contains a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring there are clear public health measures, increasing demand safely and that the UK is at the forefront in leading global standards.

As well as rolling out ‘Test to Release for International Travel’ from 15 December for arrivals into England, they include the continued development of potential pre-departure testing models.

The UK continues to explore pilots with partner countries on a bilateral basis, including exploring different possible models for pre-departure testing.

We will of course remain open to new testing technologies and other approaches that help people travel safely. As our knowledge and capacity for testing develops, so will our policy.