Doubts have arisen over the government’s plan to allow international travel after 17 May as coronavirus cases surge around Europe.
A government scientific adviser, Dr Mike Tildesley, said it was “extremely unlikely” holidays abroad would be permitted this summer as Labour called for the immediate introduction of a “comprehensive hotel quarantine system” in response to the surge.
Matt Hancock said the government’s roadmap for lifting lockdown remains on track despite the concerns, though government sources told The Times the UK needs to be wary of what is happening in Europe “because in the past that has led to a rise here a few weeks later”.
The surge in cases has led to lockdown restrictions being reintroduced in Poland and large parts of France, as Belgium and Germany consider their next steps.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has warned a return to lockdown measures is likely in Germany, while government scientists in Belgium have urged for restrictions to be introduced.
