Barney DavisWed, 24 March 2021, 8:03 pm
Boris Johnson dealt a blow to hopeful holidaymakers today as he said things were “looking difficult on the continent” when asked about when international travel could resume.
“On April 5, we’ll get the findings of the global travel taskforce and I’ll be setting out what I think may be possible from May 17,” he told the Commons Liaison Committee.
May 17 was the earliest date the PM had earmarked for allowing foreign holidays, but fears are growing that could be delayed because of a third wave developing in Europe.
Boris Johnson also warned companies may consider whether to invest in EU nations that impose trade blockades as he faced questions from senior MPs at the liaison committee as he turned up the heat on the EU in the row over the blocking of vaccine exports.
It came before the UK Government and European Commission issued a joint statement saying they are working together “to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens”.
Mr Johnson earlier told MPs holding a Covid-19 public inquiry now would be an “irresponsible diversion” for officials tackling the pandemic, amid calls from Labour MP Afzal Khan who has “lost an entire generation” of his family.
