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Travel from the UK to the European continent could be disrupted as a result of coronavirus restrictions once the Brexit transition period ends, the foreign secretary said.
The UK will no longer be a party to the European Union’s free movement rules after January 1.
Only a small number of countries with low COVID-19 rates are exempt from rules that prohibit non-essential visitors from outside the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA).
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Sunday last deal chance, says Raab
These include Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, but an EU Commission spokesperson said last week that there were no plans to extend that to the UK. “This is a decision for the council (European Council) to make,” he said.
When asked about the Financial Times report, Dominic Raab told BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday: “COVID restrictions will depend on the combination of what the EU decides, but also the member states.
“We already have challenges with that and we have put our own restrictions.”
Acknowledged that coronavirus “It is still a live issue and we must make sure we are in control.”
“I’m afraid that the travel restriction will inevitably be something that will be kept under review.”
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‘Very large gaps’ remain in Brexit negotiations
When asked if that would mean that it would be difficult for the British to go to the European continent, he said: “It all depends on the prevalence of the virus in those continental European countries.”
A statement earlier issued by a government spokeswoman said: “We take a risk-based scientific approach to border health measures and of course it is in the interest of all countries to allow safe international travel as we exit the pandemic”. “
Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy PC Agency, said: “I can’t believe that EU countries that rely on the purchasing power of UK business and leisure travelers will seek to block entry after 1 January .
“A cool head must prevail at this politically difficult time, as travel and tourism are a key factor for economic growth in Europe.
“I am confident that individual countries in need of tourism in the UK will be sensible and override any EU bloc decision preventing entry. It is very important now that countries work together globally to create a coherent approach.”
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‘I’ll bring Commons to Christmas Eve if need be’
Comes amid months of stagnation in Brexi Trade negotiations with the EU and the UK failed to reach an agreement.
After a three-hour dinner Wednesday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed that the negotiations remain “very difficult” and there are still “big differences between the two parties”.
But nevertheless, a deadline has been set for Sunday, which Raab told Sky News will be a “point of finality” if the EU does not “make substantial progress” in the negotiations.
