International travel remains a huge uncertainty for Brits this year.
Following the government’s ‘loosening’ of some lockdown measures this week, many Brits are wondering when the earliest opportunity to jet off will be – and while the thought of stepping off a plane to be slapped in the face with that sweet, hot air sounds wonderful, the near-future is looking pretty bleak.
Speaking to ITV’s This Morning just today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock shattered all hope and dreams of a summer holiday, confirming that it’s not likely UK residents will be able to enjoy international travel until next year.
When asked whether “summer was cancelled”, the Health Secretary responded with “I think that’s likely to be the case.
“We haven’t made a final decision on that yet but it is clear that we will seek to reopen hospitality, some hospitality, from early July if we keep successfully reducing the spread of this virus. But social distancing of some kind is going to continue.
“The conclusion from that is it is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to possible for this summer. I just think that’s a reality of life.”
International travel remains prohibited by the Foreign Office, with no current updates on when this is likely to be lifted. Staycations are also still banned, with Boris Johnson confirming in yesterday’s press conference (May 11) that “there can’t be any question of people just going off for holidays for staying in places like the Lake District, if they do go to exercise, it’s got to be done with social distancing.”