Britons told: Don’t leave UK for 30 days
BRITONS should avoid leaving the UK for at least the next month, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said yesterday.
In a dramatic announcement, he warned against all non-essential travel abroad and said UK nationals who are currently away should consider returning home.
He emphasised that it was an ‘individual’ decision, but urged those considering travelling to be aware of widespread restrictions amid the current global lockdown. Mr Raab also warned that it would be ‘unrealistic’ for those currently abroad to expect to be repatriated by the Government.
However, he did not rule out bringing in the military to help them in future if the situation deteriorates. The effective travel ban does not apply to international freight shipping and haulage, which brings vital supplies to Britain, as the Government regards it as ‘essential’. The change to official Foreign Office advice comes after the Government put forward stricter measures to halt the spread of coronavirus. In a Commons statement, Mr Raab told MPs: ‘UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries.
‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will always consider the safety and the security of British nationals so with immediate effect I’ve taken the decision to advise...against non-essential travel globally for an initial period of 30 days and, of course, subject to ongoing review.’
He said individuals would have to make their own decisions as to whether travel plans were essential. Mr Raab also warned that Britons who decide to travel abroad should be aware of the risk they may not be able to return.
He added: ‘British nationals who decide they still need to travel abroad should do so fully aware of the increased risks of doing so. That obviously includes the risk they may not be able to get home if travel restrictions are subsequently put in place they hadn’t anticipated.’