, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary,
speaking in an urgent question debate on international
travel, said:
“It is unacceptable that yet again the Government weren’t
willing to come to the House to deliver a statement on the
traffic light system last week.
“Passengers and the industry want to see a clear plan of
action, supported by transparent data, with measured
interventions to balance the urgent need to keep our borders safe
with the desire to see aviation and tourism supported.
“First on data, and the country by country assessment; Can
I urge him to publish both the decision making criteria on the
traffic light system, and the analysis that underpins it?
“We have been pushing for the Government to show
international leadership but so far they have failed to step up.
So, can I ask him why won’t the Government bring forward concrete
plans for an international vaccine passport which will be
accepted by key destination countries?
“Mr Speaker, international cooperation is key to getting
our travel sector up and running. Yet the Prime Minister missed
the opportunity to make meaningful progress at the G7, including
with the US. So, what progress has been made on reaching an
agreement to see the safe return of transatlantic travel?
“And as much as we all want to see more countries added to
the Green List, we also need a robust Red List too. Given the
easing of restrictions has been delayed across the country, will
he now commit to reviewing the decision not to place India on the
Red List, so that lessons can be learnt going forward?
“Labour’s position is clear. We have set out a sectoral
deal; a simplified Red and Green List supported by a clear
country by country assessment showing the direction of
travel.
“But the Government also promised a sectoral deal too. When
can the industry expect to see that promised sector deal?
“In the early days of the pandemic the public were willing
to support the Government as it learnt on the job, but that
patience has run out. Action is needed now, and he must take
it.”
