The ICC condemns the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work. The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it. We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.
Archiv: travel / visas / warnings / bans
USA: Sanctions against International Criminal Court betray international justice system
“At an historic moment when we are witnessing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the global rule of law coming under threat from multiple fronts, institutions like the Court are needed more than ever to advance human rights protections, prevent future atrocities and secure justice for victims. (…)
“Governments around the world and regional organizations must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of President Trump’s sanctions. Through collective and concerted actions, ICC member states can protect the Court and its staff. Urgent action is needed, like never before.”
Trump imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized economic and travel sanctions targeting people who work on International Criminal Court investigations of U.S. citizens or U.S. allies such as Israel, repeating action he took during his first term.
Barred From Israel, UN Chief Warns Middle East ‚Fast Becoming an Inferno‘
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday reiterated his urgent call for an end to violence and a diplomatic resolution in the Middle East shortly after Israel‘s foreign minister declared that the U.N. chief was barred from entering the country, a move that drew international condemnation.
„The raging fires in the Middle East are fast becoming an inferno,“ Guterres told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, denouncing Israel‘s „relentless airstrikes across Lebanon,“ devastation of the Gaza Strip, and obstruction of a cease-fire agreement that could pull the region back from the brink of all-out war.
Israel bars UN secretary-general from entering country
Israel‘s foreign minister said on Wednesday that he was barring U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country because he had not „unequivocally“ condemned Iran‘s missile attack on Israel.
Ghassan Abu Sittah accuses Germany of ‚genocide complicity‘ after being refused entry
(13.04.2024)
„This morning, at 10 o‘clock, I landed in Berlin to attend a conference on Palestine, where I had been asked, along with many others … to give my evidence of the 43 days that I had seen in the hospitals in Gaza, working in both al-Shifa and al-Ahli hospitals,“ he said.
Abu Sittah said he was escorted from the passport office to the basement of the airport, where he was questioned for three-and-a-half hours.
„At the end of three-and-a-half hours, I was told that I woud not be allowed to enter German soil and that this ban will last the whole of April,“ he said.
UK’s David Cameron slaps travel bans on ‘extremist’ Israeli settlers
The U.K. is banning violent Israeli settlers from entering the country, Foreign Secretary David Cameron announced Thursday, in a bid to “make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts.”
In a post on social media, Cameron — the former British prime minister reappointed to the Cabinet last month — said “extremist settlers, by targeting and killing Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
Extremist settlers, by targeting and killing Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel must take stronger action to stop settler violence and hold the perpetrators accountable. We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts.
White House said briefing top Democrats on Saudi-Israel normalization talks
(17.08.2023)
The report came a week after two Democratic lawmakers told The Times of Israel that they were “dumbfounded” by US President Joe Biden’s decision to pursue the normalization agreement in addition to potentially accepting Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program, in what will shore up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government at a time when they believe it is egregiously undermining the administration’s interests with its judicial overhaul and antagonizing policies toward the Palestinians.
Hollywood producer testifies about ‘supply line’ of gifts at Netanyahu’s corruption trial
The indictment accuses Netanyahu of using his influential perch to assist Milchan to secure a U.S. visa extension by drawing on his diplomatic contacts, among them former Secretary of State John Kerry. Prosecutors also accuse Netanyahu of working to push legislation that would have granted Milchan millions in tax breaks.
White House lifting omicron travel ban on South Africa and seven other southern African countries
(24.12.2021)
White House spokesman Kevin Munoz said on Twitter that the decision was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Munoz said the temporary travel bans bought scientists necessary time to study the new virus variant and conclude that the current vaccinations are effective in blunting its impact.
This means we’re “this close” to the Biden Administration requiring COVID vaccines or tests for domestic air travel. Mark my words. It’s on the way.
Biden administration unveils new Covid vaccine, testing requirements for travel into U.S.
Unvaccinated U.S. citizens and long-term residents will have to present a negative Covid test taken a day before re-entering the country.
Joint open letter – Transport heads call on world leaders to secure global supply chains
29 September 2021
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the maritime, road and aviation industries have called loudly and clearly on governments to ensure the free movement of transport workers and to end travel bans and other restrictions that have had an enormously detrimental impact on their wellbeing and safety. Transport workers keep the world running and are vital for the free movement of products, including vaccines and PPE, but have been continually failed by governments and taken for granted by their officials.
Our calls have been consistent and clear: freedom of movement for transport workers, for governments to use protocols that have been endorsed by international bodies for each sector and to prioritise transport workers for vaccinations as called for in the World Health Organization’s SAGE Roadmap for Prioritizing Uses of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Context of Limited Supply.
Heads of government have failed to listen, to end the blame-shifting within and between governments and take the decisive and coordinated action needed to resolve this crisis.
The workers who keep global supply chains moving are warning of a ‚system collapse‘
(29.09.2021)
Seafarers, truck drivers and airline workers have endured quarantines, travel restrictions and complex Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements to keep stretched supply chains moving during the pandemic.
But many are now reaching their breaking point, posing yet another threat to the badly tangled network of ports, container vessels and trucking companies that moves goods around the world.
READY FOR TAKEOFF! Travel update UK: Amber list SCRAPPED and expensive PCR tests ditched in biggest holidays boost since pandemic began
BRITS can jet off for a hassle-free autumn in the sun after both the amber list and expensive PCR tests were SCRAPPED in the biggest travel boost of the pandemic so far.
In a huge win for holidaymakers ministers are also shrinking the red list – with popular destination Turkey among those declared Covid safe today.
EU Digital COVID Certificate and UK NHS COVID Pass added to IATA Travel Pass
Harmonization of digital vaccine standards is essential to support the safe and scalable restart of aviation, avoid unnecessary airport queues and ensure a smooth passenger experience.
Building on the EU DCC success, IATA has called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to revisit its work to develop a global digital vaccine standard.
US pushing to relocate thousands of Afghans in Qatar: report
“We are evaluating all available options. We have no announcements to make on third country relocation sites for Afghan SIV applicants,” a State Department spokesperson told The Hill in a statement, referring to special immigrant visas.
The Biden administration said Thursday there would be 1,000 U.S. troops going to Qatar to help process applications from Afghans already in the country. The Afghans are seeking visas to the U.S. for assisting the U.S. during the war.
Holiday chaos for thousands of Britons heading to France as Macron‘s tough new vaccine passports come in – meaning tourists who haven‘t got the right app or paperwork face being BANNED from bars, cafes and attractions across the country
– Thousands planned French getaways after it came off UK‘s ‚amber plus‘ travel list
– But they are facing chaos with Emmanuel Macron‘s new Covid passport rules
– Proof of double jab has to be uploaded to French coronavirus smartphone app
– But people without smartphones could be refused entry to restaurants and bars
France braces for nationwide protests against Covid-19 health pass
The pass, which is an extended version of the EU’s Covid-19 travel pass, comes into force on Monday, and is mandatory for access to public spaces such as bars and restaurants.
TRIP AD-PFIZER: Covid vaccine will be required to travel ‘for ever more’ and people will not be allowed to leave without it, Shapps says
Speaking on BBC Radio 4‘s Today programme, he said: „I think double vaccination, full vaccination, is going to be a feature for ever more and most countries, probably all countries, will require full vaccination in order for you to enter.”
He also warned youngsters they will be unable to travel if they do not get jabbed.
Battle to save summer: Rishi Sunak leads cabinet rebellion demanding u-turn on plans for ruinous amber-plus list – as data shows 17 MORE countries could go green this week in double boost for British tourists
– Creation of extra travel alert has been opposed by Tory rebels and Rishi Sunak – who has written letter to PM
– Ministers signed off proposals last week to create ‚amber watch list‘ which could plunge holidays into chaos
– Travellers heading to the likes of Spain and Italy could see the countries suddenly move on to dreaded red list
– Whitehall source claims idea has now been shelved, amid opposition from Tory MPs and letter from Mr Sunak
Boris Johnson faces Tory backbench backlash over ‘amber watch list’ travel plans
Not only would the Government find it difficult to come up with sufficient hotel rooms but it would have a severe impact on the economy.
It would almost certainly disrupt trade links even if lorry drivers and vital supply routes for food and medicines were exempted, while tens of thousands of workers would have to self-isolate away from their businesses and employers for 10 days.
MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: Spare us from the mental torture of crazy travel rules
It sometimes seems as if someone wants to punish us for wanting to live normally again.
I refuse to be imprisoned by an incompetent Government invoking bogus science
The „amber plus“ regime for those returning from France is on one level a trivial detail, hardly newsworthy when set against the magnificent fiasco of the British pingdemic.
Yet nothing quite so illustrates the bureaucratic incoherence of Britain’s post-vaccination policy as this lunatic quarantine rule for travellers.
Furthermore, it is slightly alarming to see the authorities deploy the coercive power of the state so breezily, in such a random fashion, and in violation of the known scientific data. Bad habits are being formed.
More than FIFTY Tory MPs are ready to vote against ‚misguided‘ Covid passports after Government is accused of introducing them ‚by stealth‘ by quietly updating NHS app – as Dominic Raab says they ‚make sense‘ for returning to the office
– Many Tory MPs are ‚horrified‘ by proposals to introduce mandatory passports
– They say it will create a ‚two-class society‘ and plan to block the plans
– Britons with both Covid-19 jabs can now add vaccine certificate to Apple Wallet
– ‚Get your NHS Covid Pass‘ section of the NHS App leads to ‚domestic‘ or ‚travel‘
– ‚Domestic‘ section will display name, date of birth and QR code confirming jabs
– ‚Travel‘ section has same information along with nine extra details for each dose
– Lib Dems: Government has ‚introduced Covid ID Cards by stealth onto phones‘
The EU’s COVID Digital Green Pass: Dividing the world?
Consequentially, from July 1st onwards, only persons who have taken these EMA-approved vaccines can travel freely within the EU region. Any other vaccine, such as WHO-approved Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India under license from Oxford-AstraZeneca, is not recognized by EMA. However, the EU has clarified that the “Green pass” is not a precondition to travel. Nevertheless, people vaccinated with Covishield in India and other countries where New Delhi has exported its vaccines, such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Mauritania and other African countries, might face specific issues while travelling within the EU
Up to 5million British holidaymakers could be BARRED from Europe because they were given Indian-made versions of AstraZeneca Covid jab
– EMA does not recognise the Covishield AstraZeneca vaccine produced in India
– This could cause issue for vaccinated Britons eagerly hoping to travel abroad
– Still a theoretical issue as so few European nations are on the ‚green‘ travel list
Astrazeneca batch number check: How to check where your AZ jab was made
The EU’s passport scheme does not recognise batches of AstraZeneca that were made in India and given out in the UK.
The EU Digital Covid Certificate will allow people to travel safely across Europe by acting as a Covid passport.
Auf Wiedersehen BRIT! Germany BANS Britons from midnight TOMORROW after branding UK a Covid variant hotspot… while Spain lifts restrictions to welcome tourists
Britons will soon be barred from entering Germany after the country‘s Public Health Institute designated the UK as a virus variant area of concern.
From midnight on Sunday people travelling there from the UK may only enter the country if they are a German citizen or resident.
Travel news latest: Spain to allow British holidaymakers with no PCR test from Monday
Spain will allow British travellers to enter the country without a negative PCR test from May 24, it has been announced today.
This will mean restriction-free entry from Monday even for unvaccinated Britons; though with Spain on the UK‘s amber list, travellers will have to self-isolate upon their return.
ROADMAP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIONS BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION BASED ON THE COMMISSION COMMUNICATION AND THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION AGAINST VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES
(March 2019)
Examine the feasibility of developing a common vaccination card/passport for EU citizens (that takes into account potentially different national vaccination schedules and), that is compatible with electronic immunisation information systems and recognised for use across borders, without duplicating work at national level.
ROADMAP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIONS BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION BASED ON THE COMMISSION COMMUNICATION AND THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION AGAINST VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES
(March 2019)
Examine the feasibility of developing a common vaccination card/passport for EU citizens (that takes into account potentially different national vaccination schedules and), that is compatible with electronic immunisation information systems and recognised for use across borders, without duplicating work at national level.
Germany may close its borders on Monday
The most extreme possibility being considered is a perimeter closure of the entire country to stop tourists taking trips abroad.
Lavrov: Russia Is Against Vaccine Passports For Traveling, It‘s Contrary to Voluntary Inoculation
(02.03.2021)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: Moscow expects that the European Union’s plans to introduce vaccine passports won’t discriminate against Russian nationals.
Palau president visits Taiwan to open travel bubble
Palau‘s leader flew into Taiwan on Sunday (Mar 28) as the two coronavirus-free allies prepare to launch a travel corridor to boost their pandemic-hit tourist sectors.
No holidaymakers arrested at airports in England despite Priti Patel’s coronavirus crackdown
On 27 January, the home secretary said going on holiday was “not a valid reason” to leave home during England’s coronavirus lockdown and added: “Anyone who does not have a valid reason for travel will be directed to return home or they will face a fine.”
The Home Office claimed that police could arrest people who remained intent on going on holiday after being stopped at an airport, saying: “Holiday travel is not allowed and police can fine anyone trying to do so, direct them to go home and, if necessary, use powers of arrest.”
ROADMAP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIONS BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION BASED ON THE COMMISSION COMMUNICATION AND THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION AGAINST VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES
(March 2019)
Examine the feasibility of developing a common vaccination card/passport for EU citizens (that takes into account potentially different national vaccination schedules and), that is compatible with electronic immunisation information systems and recognised for use across borders, without duplicating work at national level.
‘Is VDL being pressured by Germany?!’ Macron aide speechless at C4 Covid vaccine probe
Channel 4 News presenter Matt Frei asked: „Is this all very political and does Ursula von der Leyen, as a German politician and member of Angela Merkel‘s ruling CDU, is she now under pressure?
„Especially after the results of the regional elections on Sunday that she has to come out and take the gloves off.
„Is that what this is? Is it political?“
Ms Trillet-Lenoir replied: „I wouldn‘t say so. I would say it‘s a complicated explanation.
BBC‘s Katya Adler exposes why Italy ‚under pressure‘ to suspend AstraZeneca vaccine
BBC‘s Katya Adler insisted that Italy felt under pressure to suspend the rollout of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. While speaking on Newscast, she said despite its own advisors saying not to suspend the use of the vaccine, the Italian Government decided to plough ahead with the temporary ban. She claimed this was due to mounting pressure from their citizens with concerns due to bigger European nations Germany and France suspending the vaccine.
Germany, France, Italy Suspend Use of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 Vaccine
(15.03.2021)
Germany, Italy, France and Spain joined the ranks of European countries that have temporarily halted use of the Covid-19 shot made by AstraZeneca PLC over blood-clot concerns, dealing another blow to the continent’s sluggish vaccination rollout and threatening the credibility of the vaccine itself.
Top Court Strikes Down COVID Restrictions on Citizens‘ Entry and Departure From Israel
In a damning verdict, the judges noted that „Israel is the only democratic country in the world where the right of citizens to enter their country has been so sweepingly restricted.“
On the figure of 3,000, the judges stated that this was set by the government before they had gathered data on the number of nationals who were stuck abroad, and ordered any future restrictions to be based on updated and comprehensive facts.
ROADMAP FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIONS BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION BASED ON THE COMMISSION COMMUNICATION AND THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION AGAINST VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES
(March 2019)
Examine the feasibility of developing a common vaccination card/passport for EU citizens (that takes into account potentially different national vaccination schedules and), that is compatible with electronic immunisation information systems and recognised for use across borders, without duplicating work at national level.
As Israel Reopens, ‘Whoever Does Not Get Vaccinated Will Be Left Behind’
(18.02.2021)
New government and business initiatives are moving in the direction of a two-tier system for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, raising legal, moral and ethical questions.
Israeli studies find Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduces transmission
(19.02.2021)
Findings of the pre-published study, not yet peer-reviewed, but based on a national database that is one of the world’s most advanced, were first reported by the Israeli news site Ynet late on Thursday and were obtained by Reuters on Friday.
Pfizer declined to comment and the Israeli Health Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
Covid: vaccinated Israelis to enjoy bars and hotels with ‘green pass’
(19.02.2021)
Israel is preparing itself to be split in half from next week, with the government creating a new privileged tier in society: the vaccinated.
Israel Reopens, With More COVID Rules Relaxed: Here‘s Everything You Need to Know
Green Pass venues include houses of worship, cultural events, gyms, hotels and swimming pools. To enter, those eligible to do so will be required to present valid ID and a so-called Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or official document stating they had the virus and recovered, as relevant.
Powerful ‚Covid O‘ Cabinet committee is set to consider plans for ‚vaccine passports‘ tomorrow amid hopes they could save summer holidays
The critical ‚Covid O‘ Cabinet sub-committee is expected to look at proposals for assembling a system that could loosen restrictions on international travel.
However, there are not expected to be any final decisions – and no date has been mooted for when the arrangements might come into force.
EU postpones issuing ‘vaccination passports’
The EU decided Thursday to postpone the issuing of vaccination certificates to people immunized against COVID-19 and opted to strongly deter all unnecessary travel within the bloc and with third countries to curb the spread of the virus.
Leaders of the EU met via videoconference to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic and vaccination efforts in member states.
Travellers rush in to the UK to beat Covid crackdown beginning at 4am tomorrow with quarantine hotels and facial-recognition technology under consideration to ensure new arrivals are properly isolating
Officials have been told to prepare to use facial-recognition and GPS technology in order to ensure people stay in isolation when they arrive in the country.
Passengers are being asked to complete online passenger locator forms to tell officials where they are staying after arriving in the UK.
But MPs have heard just one in 10 of the forms are checked by Border Force, while police officers told to visit addresses for potential breaches of quarantine simply walk away if no one answers – with no follow up investigation.
Thousands of Britons who have received their Covid jab ‚will be offered a vaccine passport‘ in trial taking place this month – as EU considers plan to bring them in for travel across Europe
– Thousands of Britons will be offered vaccine passes in trial starting this month
– Passport will be issued as a free app which show if people have had Covid jab
– Government agency Innovate UK has pumped £75,000 into project so far
– Vaccines tsar Nadhim Zahawi has flip-flopped over controversial policy
100,000 Britons abroad face scramble to find a covid test or risk being stranded as government rules travellers will be BANNED from entering UK without a negative test – within DAYS
It is expected to cause a scramble for return flights as around 100,000 Brits are currently away in hotspots such as Dubai and the Maldives.
Ministers agreed the strict measures last night amid growing pressure to tighten borders – but have not confirmed a start date, although it is expected to be next week.
Secret, due-process-free no-fly lists were one of the worst post-9/11 civil liberties abuses — I reported on them often. Stunning to see calls from Congress for people to be put on them revived in this climate. I hope people realize what‘s happening:
Coronavirus Live: Four People Test Positive for New Strain of Coronavirus in Israel
(today)
A fourth case had been discovered in an Israeli who had not been abroad recently. The Health Ministry said they are investigating the case and will update accordingly.
„Over the past few days we are making a concerted effort to check that the mutation from Britain has not infiltrated [Israel]. Until several minutes ago, we had been optimistic, and now we are less optimistic,“ Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said.
Netanyahu Uses New COVID-19 Strain to Scare the Public at the Best Possible Time for Him
(22.12.2020)
The coronavirus pandemic is dangerous enough on its own – but adding the considerations of a prime minister who is a criminal defendant trying to escape justice, the result is systematic disregard for the population
COVID-19: Germany extends UK travel ban to 6 January – despite EU urging countries to lift restrictions
Germany has extended its ban on travellers arriving from the UK to 6 January, despite the EU telling countries to lift restrictions to allow essential journeys and minimise trade disruption.
Kent lorry chaos could get WORSE: Army is performing as little as 200 tests an hour – meaning 10,000 stranded truckers could take DAYS to clear threatening food shortages after clashes with police and blockades
– Truckers try to force their way past police guarding Port of Dover as hundreds leave cabs and walk along road
– Jeering and whistling with some shouting: ‚Open the border‘, ‚We just want to go home‘ and ‚F*** you, Boris!‘
– France announced travel ban on all traffic from UK on Sunday night after emergence of new Covid-19 strain
– Decision meant Port of Dover was dramatically closed to all freight vehicles leaving the UK for next 48 hours
– Deal now struck with France which means every driver must be tested for coronavirus using lateral flow tests
– Tensions also boiled over at Manston Airport, where truckers whose lorries are being held staged a protest
Lorry drivers scuffle with police as tension mounts over Dover backlog
A group of drivers began booing and whistling police just after 8am this morning, before a small number started pushing officers in an apparent attempt to break through their lines.
UK and French governments have now reached a deal to reopen the border from Wednesday if the drivers test negative for COVID.
TRUCK OFF, MACRON: Stranded Brit truckers on the move again as shamed Emmanuel Macron is forced to reopen French border
STRANDED truckers were ready to roll again last night after shamed French leader Emmanuel Macron was forced to reopen his country’s border with the UK.
He caved in after pressure from Britain and the EU to end a 48-hour blockade imposed amid fears over the new Covid strain.
Thousands of truckers in Dover will have controversial rapid Covid test today after Macron gives way and says lorry drivers CAN now enter France if they have negative result – but freight backlog will take days to clear
The agreement requires every driver to have been tested for coronavirus, using controversial lateral flow tests, which are able to turn around results in under an hour but have had their effectiveness questioned.
Those who come back negative will be told by text message in as little as 20 minutes, and be given the green light to hit the road and head over to the continent, but positive cases will be sent to a hotel to isolate.
Von der Leyen takes control of Brexit talks in attempt to strike deal
Von der Leyen spoke by telephone to Johnson on Monday night to discuss a way forward and further calls are expected in the next 24 hours, but the commission refused to offer details.
Barnier said as he went into a meeting with EU ambassadors: “We are really in the crucial moment. We are giving it the final push. In 10 days the UK will leave the single market and we continue to work in total transparency with the member states right now and with the parliament.”
Brexit poses grave risks to UK health and care sector, report finds
The Nuffield Trust thinktank stated: “The perilously uncertain future facing the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period could put the UK’s health and care system at risk.”
The report said new migration rules, possible disruption to medicines and devices, an ongoing economic slowdown and barriers to science investment would hit the health sector.
NHS leaders call for Brexit talks extension warning no-deal risks adding to health crisis amid pandemic
The warning came as a negotiated Brexit deal looks increasingly unlikely and Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the new variant of coronavirus as being „out of control“.
Boris blusters his way through pointless press conference without giving a single answer about when truckers will be allowed into France: Port chaos could continue until Xmas after Macron insists on Covid tests or no travel
– Port of Dover in Kent was dramatically closed to all freight vehicles leaving the UK for the next 48 hours
– Hauliers coming to UK will still be allowed but there are fears drivers won‘t travel to avoid being ‚marooned‘
– Countries including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Poland have announced restrictions on UK travel
– Comes after emergence of mutant strain of coronavirus in England which spreads quicker than predecessor
– PM Boris Johnson held a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee this afternoon to discuss travel ban
– Port of Dover later confirmed inbound freights were still arriving and France said movement would resume
– But Mr Johnson was unable to say exactly when the travel ban will be lifted as he expressed his frustrations
Europe blockade pushes UK closer to food shortages at Christmas
Responding to yesterday evening’s suspension of accompanied freight traffic from the UK to France, FDF CEO Ian Wright told Yahoo Finance UK: “Yesterday’s suspension of accompanied freight traffic from the UK to France has the potential to cause serious disruption to UK post-Christmas fresh food supplies – and exports of UK food and drink.
Heathrow chaos as hundreds try to cram onto last plane to Dublin after more than a dozen countries ban ALL flights from Britain, Eurotunnel closes and French BLOCK UK lorries for 48 hours after discovery of ‚70% more infectious‘ mutant Covid strain
– France, Germany, Israel, El Salvador, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Turkey, Morocco, Canada, Belgium, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Ireland have banned all flights from Britain
– Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the Government’s Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday after a series of countries announced they were stopping flights from the UK, Downing Street has said
Travel latest news: British hospitality to launch legal action over expected lockdown restrictions
Following the announcement of a new three-tier lockdown system, which will see areas with higher Covid rates imposed with harsher measures, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is leading a revolt against new rules that could see thousands of bars and restaurants ordered to close.
Two of the country’s biggest brewers and pub operators, Joseph Holt and JW Lees, are also involved in the challenge, alongside a further 10 hospitality businesses and organisations.
BED TO WORSE: New 3-tier lockdown rules: Boris Johnson to ban overnight stays and non-essential travel in Covid hotspots
OVERNIGHT stays will be forbidden in northern virus hotspots for four weeks, Boris Johnson will announce today.
As well as the bed ban, residents can only leave the highest risk regions for essential travel such as work, education or health reasons, and must return that day.
US to stop enhanced coronavirus screening for international travelers: reports
A TSA official told CNN a draft public affairs guidance memo lays out the rationale for ending airport screenings, stating that of the 675,000 passengers screened at 15 airports, fewer than 15 have been identified as having COVID-19.