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Travel industry awaits traffic light lists update

The travel industry is awaiting an announcement on international travel and changes to the traffic light list this evening after the prime minister hinted at a potential relaxation of travel rules for people who have received both doses of an approved vaccine could be allowed.

An announcement from transport secretary Grant Shapps is now expected at around 7pm.

Boris Johnson told Sky News earlier today that there is a “real opportunity” to “open up travel through the double jab”.

The PM said Shapps is to “outline the next steps for international travel,” suggesting more detail than an update on the traffic light lists is on the cards. A review of the traffic light system, rather than an update to the colour-coded lists, has been scheduled for Monday, June 28.

“We’ve got more than 60% of our [adult] population that have now had two jabs, 83% have had one jab,” Johnson said. “We’re really getting through it now. The crucial thing is to come forward and get your second jab.

“I’m not going to claim that this summer for travel purposes is going to be like any summer.

“I don’t want to cast a pall over things, but as I said the other day, it will be different.”

Multiple reports suggest that Spain’s Balearic Islands, and Malta could be added to the green list.

However, doubts remain as to whether EU countries will allow UK travellers to visit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested all EU countries should make British travellers quarantine on arrival to slow the spread of the Delta variant.

On Thursday, the UK reported 16,703 cases and 21 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.

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