UK could introduce air bridges to low-risk countries by end of June

Quarantine-free travel under consideration for certain

QUARANTINE-free travel between Britain and some countries could be introduced at the end of this month if infection rates at home and abroad are sufficiently low.

The government is understood to be considering socalled ‘air bridges’ to enable people to travel without having to spend two weeks self-isolating on their return.

Current plans mean all international arrivals - apart from people carrying out a limited number of specified roles - would need to quarantine for 14 days from Monday.

The plan has been fiercely criticised by travel and hospitality businesses, and ministers are understood to be considering introducing air bridges when the policy is reviewed three weeks after it comes into force.

Agreements would need to be reached with other countries before any policy could be introduced. The Telegraph reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ‘personally in favour’ of the idea.

Further details of the quarantine proposal are expected to be laid before Parliament on Tuesday.

The Guardian reported that quarantined travellers would be able to go food shopping, change accommodation and use public transport from airports.

But a government source said people would be expected to stay in one home, use private transport and only venture outside where absolutely necessary.

It comes as MPs return to Westminster after the government dropped virtual proceedings, despite concerns that shielding politicians will be unable to attend.

The government has tabled a motion preventing the resumption of virtual voting that allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic, but opposition parties are seeking to retain it.