I fully appreciate the concerns raised about this issue and the severity of the situation for the whole UK travel industry, which I recognise has faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I am glad that both domestic and international travel have resumed. In England, all accommodation and hospitality venues have reopened, and jobs and livelihoods have been restored. In addition, the restrictions on social distancing have ended which has further boosted the industry. 

As of 4 October, the previous red, amber and green traffic light system was replaced with a single red list of countries and territories, with the amber and green lists merged into one. 

In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, travel restrictions were implemented to slow the spread of the variant and protect our borders. As Omicron cases rise in the UK and in countries around the world, the travel red list is less effective in slowing the incursion of the variant from abroad and these temporary measures are no longer proportionate. While all countries have been removed, the red list policy remains in place alongside the managed quarantine service policy, acting as a crucial line of defence against the importation of variants of concern.

Ultimately the best way to support aviation and the wider travel sector is through the safe and sustainable recovery of international travel, which is why I welcome that testing rules have now been relaxed with fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s no longer required to take a pre-departure test before returning to England. At this stage, individuals qualify as fully vaccinated if they have completed their primary course of vaccination, though I am told that this will be updated once everyone has had a reasonable chance to get boosted. 

I am encouraged that the Chancellor extended and expanded business support schemes to help businesses while travel was severely restricted, such as through grants and the final extension to the job retention scheme. The aviation and aerospace sectors are being supported with over £12 billion made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s COVID Corporate Financing Facility and grants for research and development.

If applicable, I would encourage businesses in the travel industry who are facing cashflow or other financial difficulties to explore the Government-backed loans and guarantees that have been made available, such as the Recovery Loan Scheme. 

I have been reassured by colleagues that the UK Government has been engaging with both the package travel sector and consumer advocacy bodies to assess the impact of cancellations made due to the coronavirus outbreak. I am closely monitoring the situation and taking on board the views of those living and working here in South West Bedfordshire, including on introducing Government-backed vouchers.

Finally, package travel agencies are required to comply with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which protect consumers who have bought package holidays. Therefore, if a package holiday is cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, consumers are entitled to a full refund which should be issued within 14 days.

I understand that the Competition and Markets Authority published further information on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses. In addition, they have established a Covid-19 taskforce for consumers to register any complaints. This is available online at: https://www.coronavirus-business-complaint.service.gov.uk/.

In cases where payments were made using a credit card, redress may also be sought from the credit card company under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.