Responding to government confirmation of a 14-day quarantine for all air passengers and further detail on exemptions for those arriving in the UK, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“Business communities in the UK and around the world remain concerned by the Government’s decision to impose a blanket quarantine on international arrivals.

“The safe re-establishment of connections to key markets and trade partners must now be a top priority for the Government. ‘Air bridges’ must be put in place swiftly for the sake of the many industries and livelihoods that depend on the UK’s connectivity across the world. Any review process should consult widely with affected business communities all across the UK.

“Co-ordinated checks at departure and arrival airports, together with other internationally-agreed safety measures, would alleviate the need for a blanket quarantine affecting arrivals from every country around the world.”