Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

'Amber watchlist' idea scrapped after cabinet revolt

'Amber watchlist' idea scrapped after cabinet revolt

PLANS to create an "amber watchlist" for countries at risk of moving to red have been shelved after a revolt in the cabinet and a backlash from the travel industry, media reports said on Tuesday (3).

The plans for the extra level namely “amber watchlist”- other than existing red, green and amber- are said to be killed off by UK chancellor Rishi Sunak and transport secretary Grant Shapps over fears that such a move may leave holidaymakers in limbo.


The news comes after prime minister Boris Johnson said he wanted a "simple" and "user-friendly" system for travellers which can also help stop the importation of new variants of Covid-19.

"I understand how much people plan, prepare, for the summer holidays," Johnson said earlier on Monday (2), adding that “we have to have a balanced approach”.

Proposals of adding “amber watchlist” were in discussion after fears that a new variant may get carried back with travellers from Spain, Italy or Greece over the summer. 

However, the proposal prompted alarm among Tories over fear that it will affect millions of tourists planning trips to those countries. 

The next update to the travel list system is due on Thursday (5).

Meanwhile, Labour said scrapping the watchlist idea showed the Tories were "in total chaos" over their pandemic borders policy.

"Not only have ministers failed to protect our borders, allowing the Delta variant to reach the UK in such force, but time and time again they've refused to be straight with the public and industry,” Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said, stated the reports.

Johnson’s decision to dump the plans to add an extra level in the traffic light system is reportedly welcomed by the travel industry.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the air travel industry body Airlines UK, hailed the government move claiming “people want a clear and consistent travel system that they can understand and that is workable”.

He also urged the government to go further and include more countries on the green list, exempting them from quarantine requirements.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less