From next month, rules for international travel to England will be significantly relaxed, which I know has been something constituents have been eager to see and I have been making these thoughts known to colleagues in the Department for Transport over the last few weeks and months, and i believe this will prove to be a vital boost for businesses and employees in Mid Sussex.
Having spoken to representatives of Gatwick Airport last month, it was made clear to me that many would-be travellers were still being put off overseas travel by the additional costs of PCR tests, as well as the need to quarantine on arrival back in the UK (for those who hadn't been vaccinated).
Therefore, I'm delighted to see my colleagues confirm a simplified system for international travel will begin next month. Meaning from the end of October, fully vaccinated passengers will be able to replace day 2 PCR tests with cheaper lateral flow tests and no longer need to take pre-departure tests (PDTs).
Additionally, 8 destinations have been removed from the red list, including Turkey and Pakistan, while the Government will now recognise full vaccinations from a further 17 countries and territories including Japan and Singapore.
This new system is simple, clear and I truly believe is the most significant step towards a return to pre-pandemic levels of international travel, as well as inbound arrivals. In Mid Sussex, countless constituents are reliant on thriving tourism, aviation and travel sectors, including numerous businesses, and it is constituencies like ours who will stand to benefit most from this relaxation.
For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-system-for-international-travel