Transport committee chair: 'I'll push for more joined-up travel policy'

Speaking during TTG’s Agenda 2021 conference, Merriman said it was vital government thinking was “joined up”, with the DfT seemingly encouraging travel by allowing people arriving from non-travel-corridor destinations to take a test to release themselves from quarantine early, while the FCDO currently maintains its blanket advice against travelling to many destinations.

“It’s no use, particularly from an insurance perspective, if you’ve got one arm of government saying, ‘fine, it’s now OK to go ahead [and travel] under this regime’ while another has advice telling you not to,” said Merriman.

“It’s important government is joined up, and I can assure you we’ll be pushing for this.”

Pressed on whether there would be consensus before test to release launches, Merriman added: “I do think change is happening. And I can assure you I will do everything I can [to push for it].”