News

Scottish government warns against travel to and from parts of northern England

The Scottish government is advising against all but essential travel to and from parts of northern England after some lockdown restrictions were imposed.

Some areas in the north of England were ordered to reintroduce some lockdown restrictions by UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who gave a coronavirus briefing Friday lunchtime after spikes in the number of Covid-19 cases.

The travel advisory advises against Scots travelling to Greater Manchester; Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale, all in Lancashire, and Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees in Yorkshire.

It also asks people from those areas not to travel to Scotland.


More:Nicola Sturgeon says she would not take an overseas holiday


Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m grateful to the prime minister for the update on the recent developments in the north west of England and all four nations agreed on the importance of sharing localised information as we work together to continue to suppress the virus.

“We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to suppress the virus but by responding quickly and appropriately we can limit the effect these have on wider transmission.

“I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England, or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas, to cancel their plans.”

“Anyone whose travel is essential should follow public health advice at all times.”

During the coronavirus briefing, Johnson was asked if he had “cancelled summer”, to which he said “no” and encouraged people to take staycations.

The prime minister, who said he would try and take a “brief staycation” himself this summer, added: “I would encourage people still to think of the wonderful staycations here in the UK.

“There are all sorts of fantastic destinations – the best in the world, I would say. I’m sure people will have a great time over the summer.”

Sutrgeon also reiterated her calls for Scots to take staycations north of the border.

Banner30july

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.