Oops! Minister who devised the plan flew to Spain YESTERDAY
THE Minister in charge of the ‘air bridges’ policy was left red-faced last night after Spain was removed from the list – on the very day that he flew to the country for a family holiday.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps – who jetted out to mainland Spain yesterday morning – could now be forced to quarantine for two weeks upon his return to Britain.
He was instrumental in drawing up the Government’s scheme to create air bridges to scores of countries earlier this month despite concerns he was relaxing restrictions too quickly. Last night, Mr Shapps – an aviation enthusiast who also owns a light aircraft – did not respond to a request for comment.
However, his mobile phone did have a foreign dial tone when called by The Mail on Sunday.
Last night’s surprise announcement comes only a day after a further five countries were added to the quarantine-free list for people travelling to England. Anyone arriving from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will not be required to isolate for two weeks on arrival, it was confirmed on Friday.
Popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Thailand and the US remain notable absentees.
The Government said people should continue to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and their insurance policies before travelling overseas.
Ministers have previously warned travel corridors could be closed if coronavirus rates escalate.