MPs appeal for evidence for new Covid travel inquiry

The House of Commons select committee, chaired by Conservative MP Huw Merriman, has asking for submissions for the inquiry, entitled Airlines and airports: supporting recovery in the UK aviation sector.

Subjects under the committee’s microscope include airlines and airports’ recovery from the pandemic, the traffic light system, barriers to reopening international travel, the “cost and necessity” of PCR testing, the effectiveness of UK hotel quarantine and border readiness.

Merriman has been one of the most vocal supporters of the travel industry during the pandemic. He has previously called for a change to the testing regime, particularly around the need for expensive PCR tests.

There will also be a focus on regional and global connectivity post-Covid, as well as aviation’s progress on reducing emissions to support the government’s aim to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050.

The inquiry is open for written submissions as part of a call for evidence which will end on 13 October.