The traffic light system could be abolished in October in a bid to “simplify” the rules for international travel – a move that would be hugely welcome for the travel industry.
Elsewhere, the government has denied plans for a “firebreak” lockdown during next month’s half-term holiday and Boeing directors are set to be sued over the crashes of two 737 Max aircraft.
Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (8 September).
Green and amber travel lists could be scrapped
The current traffic light system could be axed in October and replaced by a more simplified regime for international travel based on individuals’ Covid vaccination status. The move would see the likely end of amber and green lists for destinations, although the red category requiring hotel quarantine is set to remain in place. (Daily Telegraph)
PM stakes reputation on £12bn health plan
Boris Johnson’s plan to tackle the social care crisis will push the UK tax burden to a peacetime record level. MPs are set to vote on the healthcare levy on Wednesday (8 September) which will provide extra funding for both the social care sector and the NHS. (The Guardian)
Business leaders slam Johnson’s £12bn National Insurance raid
Business leaders have attacked Boris Johnson’s £12billion national insurance plan as a “kick in the teeth” for Covid-hit firms and warned that the huge rise in taxes will “dampen the entrepreneurial spirit needed to drive the recovery”. (Daily Mail)
Boeing directors to face lawsuit over fatal crashes
The aircraft manufacturer’s board of directors will face a lawsuit in the US from Boeing shareholders over two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max. The accidents in Indonesia in 2018 and in Ethiopia the following year killed a total of 346 people and led to all 737 Max aircraft being grounded worldwide. (BBC News)
Government rejects ‘firebreak’ autumn lockdown as Covid cases rise
The government has dismissed reports it is planning for a “firebreak” lockdown over the half-term school holiday in October if Covid hospital patient numbers continue rising. But Downing Street has admitted it is drawing up “contingencies” to be used as a “last resort” to protect the NHS. (The Times)
Thailand to continue plans to reopen tourism despite rise in cases
The southeast Asian destination is planning to reopen its capital Bangkok and other key cities, such as Chiang Mai, to international visitors from 1 October, as part of the phased “Sandbox” reopening of tourism. The announcement came despite the country recording more than 14,000 Covid cases and 228 deaths on Wednesday (8 September). (Financial Times)
