UK and Scottish governments in dogfight over air bridges

Plans to lift quarantine restrictions for travellers have become the focus of a blame game between the governments of Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested in the Commons the Scottish Government was delaying an announcement on air bridges between the UK and countries which will be exempt from the 14-day isolation period.

The Holyrood administration said the claim was “completely unfounded” and accused the UK Government of failing to keep Scottish ministers fully updated on the plans.

First Minister Ms Sturgeon said Mr Shapps had misrepresented the situation, “which is disappointing but sadly not surprising”.

People arriving in the UK – including returning Britons – are currently required to self-isolate for a fortnight to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The UK Government is expected to announce a list of countries which will be exempt from the restrictions.

Mr Shapps told SNP transport spokesman Gavin Newlands: “I’d appreciate his help in ensuring that air bridges can get going as quickly as possible.

“I’m very keen to get the devolved administrations, including the Scottish Government, on board so we can get this thing announced.”

He urged another SNP MP,

Philippa Whitford, to “ask the Scottish Government to join with us in ensuring we can have these air bridges in place nationwide as quickly as possible”.

Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf hit back at Mr Shapps’ comments and claimed the UK Government had repeatedly redrawn the list of countries under consideration without consulting the devolved administrations.

“This suggestion is completely unfounded,” he said.

“We have sought, as far as possible, a four-nations approach to this issue, but such a policy requires meaningful consultation by the UK Government – something which has so far been lacking.”

In talks with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Wednesday night, the devolved administrations were presented with the latest proposed list of air bridge countries which had been “significantly changed” from previous versions.

“Further information, including yet more revision to the list of countries, was not provided until after the meeting had ended,” Mr Yousaf added.

“I made clear that – as the first minister has already indicated – we must be able to consider the public health impact of these changed proposals, as well as the data and evidence underpinning them, before deciding on and announcing any changes.

“I hope we will be able to do that within the coming days.”

The prime minister’s official spokesman said the government had been “working closely with the devolved administrations to take a four-nations approach to quarantining so far and our intention is to publish more details of the plan this week”.

As many as 75 countries could be exempted from the quarantine restrictions when the list is finally published, reports have suggested.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.