By Boris Johnson says it is ‘not practical’ to shut borders
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended the hotel quarantine plan, saying it is ‘not practical’ to shut borders to protect against new coronavirus variants.
He said England had “one of the toughest regimes in the world”, pointing to unpublished SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) advice that he said concluded a “travel ban should not be relied upon to stop the importation of new variants”.
Facing criticism from leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer, he continued saying “it is not practical completely to close off this country as he seems to be suggesting.”
Now, Mr Johnson has been accused of not listening to his scientific advisers, who recommended mandatory isolation for all travellers entering the UK on 21 January.
Advisors have said that this will be the only way of preventing the import of new strains.
No date has been set by the government for when hotel quarantine will come into force.
Speaking to Sky News, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said “that will be set out shortly” and that he is “working on these proposals”.
