Shapps: 'Third jab will be needed to travel'

Shapps said he did not know when other countries would make the stipulation but said it would be at some point next year.

Speaking on Sky News, he said: “I speak to my opposite numbers – transport secretaries from around the world - and they’re saying we’re going to switch to requiring people to have that third jab before they are able to come into their country, so I think eventually it becomes inevitable because other countries require it for us.

“It don’t know what that time will be, not this year.”

Speaking on the BBC, Shapps said the government would provide more details on how the red list quarantine scheme would be wound down later today.

"I know that Sajid Javid, who runs the hotel quarantine system, is going to provide more detail on what’s going to happen now the mandatory quarantine is being wound down.

"Obviously it is the case that since we’re no longer going to be using the hotel quarantine - in fact we will have no red list countries - there’s no point, now it [Omicron] is established in this country, in having that system as well. That will be wound down and the health secretary will explain how."

Shapps hinted at refunds for those currently in hotel quarantine.

"Again, I know he will be saying more about whatever the situation is and depends, I suppose, on when people got there, how long they have been there, and the rest of it. He’ll be coming soon to say more about that later today."

Shapps said 40% of those in the UK had now had a booster jab. “I think with some confidence we can say that people will be able to enjoy their Christmas get together with their friends and family.”

He said the plan was for everyone in the UK to have been offered a third jab by 31 December.

A total of 9,000 had tested positive for Omicron, with 10 in hospital, he confirmed, adding:  “It is doubling every two to three days.”