An MP has slammed the Government's decision to keep Pakistan on the red list for international travel - saying that many of her constituents have not been able to see their families for months.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced last night that countries including Qatar, India and Bahrain have moved from the red list to the amber list.
But Pakistan, despite having no variants of concern, has remained on the red list
Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi has criticised the decision, saying that it is for "financial gain".
I have constituents unable to return to university, to see family or attend funerals. This has been the case for months.
— Yasmin Qureshi MP (@YasminQureshiMP) August 4, 2021
Why has the price been increased? This makes it even harder and penalises those who need to get to Pakistan urgently.https://t.co/kWRlrcrIh6
She said: "India, where the delta variant originated, is now amber. The Government is seeking to penalise Pakistan in favour of potential economic benefit. This is clear and blatant discrimination.
"To add insult to injury, the hotel quarantine cost is set to increase to a total of £2,200.
"I have constituents unable to return to university, to see family or attend funerals. This has been the case for months.
Those returning from red list countries must fork out more than £2,000 for a quarantine hotel, which includes two PCR Covid tests - and must be British or Irish nationals, or have residence in the UK.
Countries still on the UK's red list include Turkey, Egypt, Brazil and Peru.
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