Conservative MP Merriman has also asked Javid if the end date for the restrictions is “predicated on the level of community transmission?” and “what requirements would need to be met to enable the measures to end?”.

Merriman has also asked Javid for the “rationale” for the current restrictions, which include the requirement to have a pre-departure test before arriving in the UK and travellers having to self-isolate until they receive the results of their Day 2 PCR test.

In his letter, Merriman asks: “Whether the government plans to publish the evidence base underpinning its decision to introduce new international travel requirements?

“What benefit the pre-departure test provides, over and above the test on arrival? And why pre-departure testing was reintroduced when the secretary of state for transport [Grant Shapps] had ruled out such an introduction?”

Merriman has sent his letter to Javid ahead of his committee taking evidence on Wednesday (15 December) from the UK Health Security Agency and aviation minister.

He added: “Due to a lack of financial accompanying the new measures, those working in the travel sector, and those relying upon it, are keen to understand the reasoning behind, and the likely duration, of these measures.”

Javid has already hinted the government could very quickly remove its curbs on travel, but has played down the prospect of any additional financial or sector-specific support for the industry.