Too early to rule out foreign travel this summer, says Arlene Foster

By Rebecca Black, PA

It is “too early” to rule out foreign holidays this summer, First Minister Arlene Foster has said.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Robin Swann warned that foreign holidays are “very much” out this summer, expressing concern about the potential of a further surge in cases in the region.

His comments were criticised by Belfast City Airport chief Brian Ambrose, who warned that ministers “must carefully consider the severe economic consequences of their public comments”.

The UK’s Global Travel Task Force is due to report on foreign travel next month.

Speaking at a post-Executive meeting press conference in Dungannon, Mrs Foster said the Executive will look at the task force report on April 12.

“I think it is too soon to say whether people are going to be able to go on international travel or not,” she said.

“The Global Travel Task Force is reporting on April 12, our officials are working through that with other officials from Scotland, Wales and England so we look forward to seeing that report.

“My view is that it’s perhaps too soon to be booking your holidays but it’s also too soon to be ruling them out as well because we haven’t had that report yet.”

The Deputy First Minister says hotel quarantine bookings will be required before arrival in NI.

Michelle O’Neill says the issue will be kept under review and promised flexibility to allow a broader approach to international travel should the need arise. pic.twitter.com/lAMVqeRPMa

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 25, 2021

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill urged patience.

“People are desperate for something to look forward to, I understand that and I feel that myself,” she said.

“It’s really understandable that people would be very disappointed by what was said yesterday.

“I think it is just about trying to be honest with the public around so much uncertainty around what is going to happen over the next number of months. It’s still difficult to predict whether or not there will be travel come the summer period.

“We hope to be able to give clarity when we can, unfortunately it is just too far out at this stage to give people 100% guarantees because you can’t do that in a pandemic.”