Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 34
The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: •...
Recommendation
The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: • International travel restrictions must be evidenced by transparent advice and analysis that the Government makes publicly available. Such analysis must detail the rationale and evidence as to why such restrictions are deemed effective, UK aviation: reform for take-off 47 considering both public health and economic factors. The process must allow for formal representations to be made from affected sectors, primarily the aviation and travel industries. As in Germany, restrictions should be agreed on a cross- departmental basis with an equal voice from the Department for Transport and the Department of Health and Social Care. • Any restrictions on international travel must be proportionate and comparable to those in place across the rest of the UK economy. Where the Government imposes future coronavirus restrictions on the international travel industry, and where such restrictions do not apply on a comparable basis to the domestic economy, the Government must compensate the industry for the economic loss suffered.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has noted these recommendations and agrees that restrictions on international travel must be proportionate, and where appropriate comparable to those in place across the rest of the UK economy. As set out in the Living with COVID-19 strategy, the Government continues to work with industry on contingency planning and is developing a contingency toolbox of options. Contingency measures would only be used where they are proportionate to the threat faced by a COVID-19 variant and effective in slowing ingress to avert pressure on public services such as the NHS. There may be scenarios where border measures are not appropriate and will not form part of a contingency response. The approach will be underpinned by three important principles: a) The bar for implementation of any measures is very high; b) Any measure will be tailored and proportionate to the threat posed and will seek to minimise economic and social impacts; and c) In the event any measures were deemed necessary they would be time limited and not be in place any longer than needed. The UKHSA is responsible for monitoring and responding to the ongoing threat from COVID-19. As part of both DfT and HMG’s contingency planning for future COVID-19 variants, we are considering all lessons learned. This includes how data and evidence could be improved in future if any border health measures need to be stood up again. We will continue to take a flexible approach and keep all impacts and policies under review. As stated previously, given the high personal, economic and international costs arising from border health measures, there is a very high bar for implementing additional measures to respond to COVID-19 variants. If the Government were to impose coronavirus restrictions on the international travel industry, the economic impacts would of course be considered as part of the decision-making process.