Multiple reports suggest the green and amber lists will be scrapped during next month’s planned review of rules for international travel.

While a diplomatic row with France is brewing over home secretary Priti Patel’s policy to allow the Border Force to turn back migrant boats heading for the UK coast.

Here are the main headlines that the UK travel industry woke up to on Thursday (9 September).

Hated traffic light travel rules could be scrapped

Speculation is growing that the government will abolish the green and amber lists in the next few weeks when it reviews the traffic light system for international travel. The system is due to go through a “checkpoint” review in October but the red list is likely to remain in place. (Daily Express/BBC News)

Patel authorises turning back of migrant boats

Home secretary Priti Patel has authorised Border Force to turn around boats carrying migrants across the Channel to the UK. The move is expected to be opposed by French authorities because they consider the policy to be dangerous. (BBC News)

MPs back Johnson’s tax rises to fund social care

The government’s £12bn plan to raise national insurance to pay for social care and increase NHS funding was approved in the House of Commons on Wednesday (8 September) evening after a rebellion by Conservative MPs failed to materialise. (Daily Mail)

Japan to extend Covid emergency measures

The Japanese government will extend current emergency Covid restrictions to the end of September as it attempts to curb rising infection rates of the virus. The restrictions apply to Tokyo and other areas of the country, which cover about 80% of the Japanese population. (The Guardian)

Gates buys $2.2bn stake in Four Seasons from Saudi royal

Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates has increased his shareholding in the Four Seasons luxury hotel group after his investment vehicle Cascade purchased part of a stake previously owned by a Saudi Arabian prince. (Financial Times)

Tour operator offers holidaymakers free Covid tests in industry first

Operator On the Beach has announced that it will offer free Covid tests to holidaymakers returning to the UK, after research found that the high cost of tests was putting off people from travelling abroad. (Daily Telegraph)