With the Government review of the UK’s
traffic light system for international travel expected this week,
the UK’s leading business organisation – the CBI – is calling on
the Government to give a higher priority to reopening the
sector.
The aviation sector on its own added
over £20bn per year to the economy prior to the
pandemic,
but it
also facilitates much more in global trade, with air
freight accounting for 40% of UK imports and exports by
value.
Looking ahead to the review, , CBI President, said:
“Despite our high vaccination rate and
relatively low numbers in hospital, the UK risks being left
behind as the world opens up for business and
tourist travel. Of course, public
health must be front of mind
on any
decisions.
“But we
can’t be first on vaccines, yet
last on reopening international
travel. It is essential for trade and business
travel, not just tourism, and a key component in any
economic
recovery.
“The EU has developed its Green
Certificate plan for easier movement for vaccinated travellers,
while action is also being taken at Member State level, as well
as the US and other countries.
The international business community are united that
global travel should begin to restart with a common
rulebook to set standards
worldwide.
“We must build on the success of
the vaccine programme by removing quarantine
restrictions for those who are protected.
And to make better use of
the green watch-list,
avoiding last-minute
surprises of countries
shifting from green into
amber.
“The Government
should take a truly risk-based approach with
greater transparency on how nations are classified in the traffic
light
system.
“The international travel sector has
suffered incredibly badly in this crisis. 2020
saw a 75% fall in the number of air passengers travelling to and
from the UK. Without moves to open up travel in the coming days
the case for further targeted economic support for the sector
will be required with urgency.”
