Greek flight by Prime Minister’s father against advice angers MPS
Boris Johnson’s father Stanley has been criticised by MPS after flying to Greece despite UK Government advice urging Britons against all, but essential international travel.
The 79-year-old arrived in Athens on Wednesday evening to visit his mountain villa. He shared a video of his plane landing in the capital on social media platform Instagram. Mr Johnson also posted a picture of himself wearing a face mask, which appeared to be taken in an airport.
He flew to Athens via Bulgaria, it was reported, because the Greek government has banned direct flights from the UK until mid-july.
He said he was visiting the country on “essential business trying to Covid-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season”.
“I need to set up distancing measures at the property because they’re taking it very seriously here,” he said. “The Greeks are trying to stop bulk arrivals from the UK, but they were quite happy to have me coming in.
“All they wanted to know was where I was coming from and what I was doing. Then I had my temperature taken and was swabbed twice.”
Mr Johnson said
air bridges must be set up “as soon as possible”, adding: “From what I’ve seen, the arrival of the British will not be a danger to the Greeks because they’re so careful here.”
But his trip has angered MPS, with shadow minister Rosena Allin-khan tweeting: “Most people have been following the guidelines and socially distancing – not everyone will get a holiday this year.
“Those closest to the Prime Minister have different rules though.”
Labour MP Kate Osborne said: “Dominic Cummings broke the lockdown rules now it’s @Borisjohnson’s father.
“One rule for the elite and another for everyone else it seems.” And Labour’s Neil Coyle said: “[Mr Johnson] has ignored Government advice and he has also entered Greece through a secondary route, so I imagine the Greek authorities will be interested in how he has got there.”