Responding to the new rules for travel to and from amber list countries from July 19, British Chambers of Commerce Co-Executive Director, Hannah Essex, said:

“Opening up amber-list countries to quarantine-free travel to England for returning fully vaccinated residents is a decision that will be warmly welcomed by many businesses.

“Overseas market access is key for many firms and this decision will help the two-way flow of people and freight which is so vital for commerce. Businesses urgently need to reconnect with overseas customers and suppliers.

“But Government must also continue to work with businesses, the aviation industry and international partners to uncover other solutions to further expand international travel quickly and safely, for example through better use of testing and vaccine passports.

“Many major markets for trade and investment remain off limits. The current situation is stifling firms’ abilities to reconnect, or cultivate the new business relationships, which will help power the recovery.

“Businesses want to see government do everything it can to continue to drive down the cost of the tests required for business and leisure travellers. These costs must not be allowed to become an impediment to the viability of businesses, or on UK firms chances of staking a place in growing markets.

“Government should keep the travel lists, and the entire system, under constant review. Being driven by data and not dates, there should be no hesitation in adding a country to the green or amber lists if the data shows it is safe to do so.”