A former Conservative health minister has said it is the "wrong time" to be restraining the pay of NHS workers who have gone "above and beyond" during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a sign that a Conservative rebellion over the government's 1 per cent pay rise recommendation may be brewing, MP Dr Dan Poulter called for a rethink on the proposal.
Dr Poulter, who has been assisting on the NHS frontline during the pandemic, said it was "very valid" for ministers to turn their attention to paying back the £400bn borrowed during the coronavirus crisis – but that it was the "wrong time to be making this decision".
The government, meanwhile, has finally revealed details of the new “Declaration to Travel” – less than 60 hours before an unprecedented exit permit will be required from outbound travellers.
From Monday, anyone who enters “a port of departure to travel internationally” in England without a completed form will be committing a criminal offence – even if they are legally entitled to travel.
