Spain warns of ‘reciprocal’ quarantine for British visitors

SPAIN yesterday threatened to impose quarantine on British visitors until the UK lifted its own 14-day self-isolation restrictions on international arrivals.

Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Spain’s foreign minister, said her government was considering imposing a quarantine on UK visitors when it opened its borders on Sunday in “reciprocity” to a similar measure imposed by the UK.

“We will be in a dialogue with the UK to see whether or not we should be introducing reciprocity as they have different measures than the rest of the European Union,” she said in an interview with the BBC. Madrid did indicate that talks were ongoing with a view to travel from Britain resuming on July 1 via an “air bridge” allowing holidaymakers to sidestep quarantine.

It came as Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, indicated that “travel corridors” with some nations could be announced when the UK’S quarantine policy is reviewed on June 29.

Boris Johnson said tomorrow’s meeting with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, in London – the first by a world leader since lockdown – would be a chance to discuss “all sorts of ways” to bring “our countries together.” France has said it will lift its quarantine once the UK lifts restrictions. The Prime Minister said: “We’re looking at air bridges, and ways to ensure people can safely go on a holiday.”

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “We’re pleased that progress is being made on air bridges, and that ministers may be in a position to outline the countries on June 29.”

Antonio Costa, Portugal’s prime minister, said talks with Britain were “going well.” Italy and Germany have already lifted border controls for all EU citizens, including those from the UK. Greece is basing its policy on regional health data, which currently excludes most UK airports, but has said it is open to air bridges provided it can be shown to be safe.