Labour will not stand in way of quarantine proposal

Starmer demands an exit strategy from Johnson as decision saves PM from Tory backbench rebellion

SIR KEIR STARMER is demanding that Boris Johnson sets out an “exit strategy” from his proposed quarantine regime for international travellers, as Labour indicates that it will not stand in the way of the new rules this week.

The Sunday Telegraph understands Labour will not attempt to oppose the 14-day quarantine when it comes before Parliament tomorrow, saving the Prime Minister from a potential rebellion by some Conservative MPs who have lined up against the scheme.

But Labour is calling for the Government to spell out how it plans to replace the “blunt tool” of the blanket quarantine with a “more targeted approach”.

In a letter to Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds, her Labour opposite number, said any exit strategy should include a 24-hour turnaround on coronavirus tests, a “sectorspecific support package” for airlines and industries affected by the rules, and details of plans for “air bridges” between the UK and other countries.

Mr Thomas-Symonds also called for ministers to publish the full advice provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) on quarantining travellers from abroad, “to provide transparency”.

British Airways’ parent company yesterday began its legal bid to block quarantine by accusing the Government of “unfair” exemptions for some travellers and “disproportionate” restrictions on visitors.

It is understood the IAG legal letter sent to the Home Office has also been signed by Ryanair and easyJet

In the letter, it is understood IAG’s lawyers have exposed loopholes that allow any employees or self-employed businessmen who commute weekly between the UK and the EU to avoid the 14-days self-isolation.

It is understood IAG’s legal case will also claim the quarantine restrictions are unjustified and excessive in that they are even more stringent than those placed on people with Covid-19.

The intervention comes after more than 20 Tory MPs demanded a rethink of the plans, with many more privately opposed to quarantine measures. The scheme will be laid before Parliament tomorrow as a statutory instrument, which does not automatically go to a vote. Telegraph understands Labour has decided not to attempt to formally oppose the measure.

Defending the scheme last week, Mr Johnson said: “As we get the rate of infection down, with the efforts that we are making as a country, it is vital that we avoid reinfection from elsewhere.”

On Friday, Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said alternatives to the quarantine scheme were currently being worked on.