Transport secretary Chris Grayling has intervened in the escalating row triggered by a supposed leaked government warning that people should not book holidays after March in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
He stepped in 24 hours after Downing Street and Abta dismissed a Sunday Times report suggesting that families will be advised not to make bookings after March 29, according to contingency plans being drawn up to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
SUNDAY TIMES: PM’s team plots new referendum #tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/5nfPLy9muD
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) December 15, 2018
The newspaper report, which was described by Downing Street as being “categorically untrue”, said: “Steps are being considered to protect holidaymakers who have yet to book trips, amid fears a no-deal Brexit will see flights grounded and spark chaos at airports and ports.”
Grayling wrote to the aviation industry yesterday in an effort to offer “reassurance” over air links with the continent after the UK leaves the European Union.
But he fell short of offering actual guarantees should the UK exit the EU without any agreement.
He said: “You may have seen the article on the front page of the Sunday Times.
“I hope you will also have seen the very strong rebuttal from No 10 which followed this story. I wanted to write to you today to provide some further reassurance and to be clear on our position.
“As you will already be aware, both the UK and the EU have made clear their desire to ensure flights between the UK and EU continue in any scenario.
“I believe both the UK and the EU have a determination to retain the aviation links which bring such significant economic and cultural benefits for both sides.”
Grayling added that the government made this clear in a September notice on flights to and from the UK.
“And the EU set out its intention to ensure this outcome in a Commission communication on 13 November,” he added.
Grayling continued: “This department fully recognises the importance of giving passengers and businesses confidence to book their holidays and business trips to and from the EU after Brexit.”
He referred to an industry meeting, adding: “So as I mentioned at the last industry roundtable, we are exploring what communications will be needed to provide that reassurance.
“I would like to continue to work with you on precisely this in the coming days.
“I hope this provides you with some reassurance and look forward to further discussions with you in the coming weeks and months.”
The Cruise Lines International Association also added its voice.
A spokesperson for the cruise industry body said: “The whole of the travel industry, including the cruise sector, is putting in place myriad contingency plans to deal with the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit, to ensure as smooth an experience as possible for our customers.
“To say we were surprised and disappointed to read the story, which is simply not true, in the Sunday Times is an understatement.
“Comments such as this coming from the government are unhelpful and reckless, and we urge the government to instead focus on clarifying plans for Brexit as speedily as possible.”
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