European Football Championships: Travel

Lord Haskel Excerpts

Monday 21st June 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

I am not familiar with the details of that, but I imagine it would be the responsibility of UEFA and the international football associations, since it would apply to non-UK citizens.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Haskel)]

My Lords, the time allowed for this Private Notice Question has elapsed.

[Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Con)]

My Lords, I believe that 15 minutes are allowed for a Private Notice Question, so there is time for the final question.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Haskel)]

I am so sorry. I call the noble Baroness, Lady Fox.

[Baroness Fox of Buckley (Non-Afl)]

I am thrown now, my Lords. Anyway, congratulations to Wales—it is the hope that kills you—and to the Scottish football fans for having a good time. On this cancelled “freedom day”, does the Minister understand that these apparent double standards and exemptions for the few, similar to those we saw at the G7 and Royal Ascot, are creating cynicism about whether policies are really based on evidence, not just among the protesters outside today but among the most lockdown-compliant citizens? Perhaps UEFA and FIFA saw the viral thread of tweets describing the risible conditions in an official quarantine hotel: for example, paltry amounts of food served at 9 pm and children and the elderly incarcerated and actually going hungry. Can the Minister assure the House that, rather than tightening up quarantine, the Government might look at lessening it for the many rather than just for the few?

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

Some of the wider issues to which the noble Baroness rightly alludes are part of our broader strategy for lifting lockdown progressively. Quarantining is obviously part of that. Our number one priority for these events is the public health safety of our citizens. The second is to be good hosts to the teams and VIPs coming to this country. To do this, we will build on our existing elite sport exemptions. Anyone allowed in will be subject to the same restrictions.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Haskel)]

My Lords, all supplementary questions have been asked.

[Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Con)]

My Lords, I am glad that injury time allowed the noble Baroness, Lady Fox, to get her question in.