‘I’ll be completely straight’: Downing Street admits Boris Johnson blunder over quarantine hotel plan
Prime minister gave incorrect number of affected countries in statement to parliament
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson blundered over the government’s quarantine hotel policy, giving parliament the wrong number of affected countries, Downing Street has admitted.
The prime minister caused confusion yesterday by saying in a statement to the House of Commons that arrivals from 22 “red list” countries would be required to spend up to 10 days in quarantine at airport hotels.
But when the Home Office later released full details of the scheme, there were 30 nations on the list, making up the existing list of states where the UK has imposed special travel restrictions because of concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
Asked the reason for the discrepancy today, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I’ll be completely straight – the 22 was an error.
“The new rules will apply to the countries where we’ve imposed international travel bans.
“The list currently comprises of 30 countries but obviously that list is kept under review.”
The spokesman said more details on the quarantine scheme would be coming next week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments