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**Hugh** · 22-12-2020, 14:39

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/u...-b1777601.html

Quote:

EU commission calls for countries to drop ‘blanket travel bans’ on UK

The European Commission has called on EU member states to drop “blanket travel bans” against people coming from the UK.

The bans, imposed by some countries in light of reports of a new Covid strain in southern England, are causing significant disruption to trade flows at Channel ports and have left some British and EU citizens stranded ahead of Christmas.

But in a recommendation issued on Tuesday afternoon, Brussels said travel restrictions to prevent the spread of any new strain should have exemptions to prevent border disruption, which is wreaking havoc on trade flows.

“Given the current uncertainties and in light of the precautionary principle, member states should take coordinated action to discourage non-essential travel between the UK and the EU," Didier Reynders, the EU's justice commissioner, said.

"At the same time, blanket travel bans should not prevent thousands of EU and UK citizens from returning to their homes.

"While precautions are needed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus variant, with today's recommendation, we therefore ensure that the restrictions are coordinated and provide for the necessary exemptions for citizens and residents returning home and other essential travellers.”

In a statement the Commission said that while "all non-essential travel to and from the UK should be discouraged", other "essential travel and transit of passengers should be facilitated".

"Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions," it added.