10 Jun
2021

Lobbying in the run up to 28 June

The absence of any major holiday destinations on the green list, and the subsequent anti-travel messages from Government this week, are doing real damage to consumer confidence and the sector’s ability to recover. The next few weeks are critical for the industry as we look ahead to the review on 28 June.
 
We continue to lobby the Government intensely on the need to open up travel in time for the summer period and also provide a package of tailored financial support, including extending furlough. These are points I made in my appearance at the Treasury Select Committee on Monday - highlighting that businesses and jobs are increasingly at risk if the Government doesn’t act. You can read a summary of what I said here. We have also been briefing MPs ahead of a debate in Parliament this afternoon, and there is another debate planned for 24 June which will be led by Henry Smith MP, chair of the Future of Aviation Group. 
 
It has been great to see so much industry support for the Travel Day of Action on 23 June. It is timed to take place just ahead of when the Government is expected to discuss and decide on the next steps for international travel, with changes due to take effect on 28 June. 
 
A lot of work is happening behind the scenes to make sure that the day can have the greatest impact and achieve widespread engagement with MPs and politicians in the devolved governments. Events of this nature take a lot of planning and organising, and we have to work within the COVID-19 guidelines. But we do understand the need to provide an update as soon as possible with more details so you can plan and organise how you can get involved, and will do so shortly.