Let's All Go On A British Summer Holiday

Strict new quarantine travel rules could boost UK tourism

- Macer Hall

A traditional British summer holiday is on the cards for thousands after tough new travel restrictions were revealed yesterday.

Home Secretary Priti Patel unveiled the strict measures, effectively putting an end to foreign travel for the peak holiday season.

But the move could provide a huge boost to the UK tourism trade.

Travellers returning from abroad will face fines of at least £1,000 if they fail to stay under quarantine for two weeks, it was announced.

Ms Patel said the measure will come into force from June 8 in an attempt to stop travellers from overseas causing coronavirus infections that could trigger a devastating second wave of the killer disease.

The dramatic move, confirmed at the daily Downing Street briefing yesterday, is likely to make foreign holidays virtually impossible for most Britons this summer.

Aviation bosses warned the mandatory 14-day self-isolation for most people entering the country could “kill off” their industry.

But the Home Secretary said the measure was necessary to keep a grip on the virus.

She said: “It is to protect that hard-won progress and prevent a devastating resurgence in a second wave of the virus.”

People returning from overseas could face random spot-checks by health officials to ensure they are staying at home during the quarantine period.

Lawbreakers caught “endangering the safety of others” by flouting the rule could be hit with a £1,000 on-the-spot penalty or an even bigger fine imposed by the courts.