Confusion over holidays as some ministers give go-ahead - but others say travel is ‘dangerous’

Confusion remains in place regarding whether or not people should book to go abroad this summer, as ministers give drastically different advice.

A new “traffic light system” for overseas travel was implemented on Monday (17 May) to allow some foreign travel to resume.

However, although holidaymakers are able to travel to countries on the “green list” without having to quarantine on return, this is not the case for destinations on the “amber list”.

Those who travel to a country on the “amber list” have to self-isolate on their return to England, but some ministers are saying it is safe to travel to these destinations, with others advising against any travel abroad.

‘Travelling is dangerous’

Environment Secretary George Eustice told broadcasters people could go to amber-listed countries as long as they observed quarantine rules on their return.

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart told Times Radio the public should ask themselves whether a trip to a country on the amber list was “essential”, before adding that “some people might think a holiday is essential”.

However, education minister Gillian Keegan said travel to amber list destinations was supposed to be for “special circumstances” such as business or funerals.

She told Sky News on Wednesday (19 May): “What we are saying is the amber list is not to go on holiday, not for pleasure travel at the moment.

“It’s not in legislation, we haven’t legislated to ban people from going on holiday abroad. This is guidance.”