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Covid-19 - Government's contingency planning for movement of goods and people examined

21 May 2020

The Home Affairs Committee hears from representatives of the Port of Dover, the Airport Operators Association and former interim Director General of Border Force as part of its inquiry into Home Office preparedness for Covid-19.

Witnesses

Friday 22 May

At 9.30am

Panel 1

  • Karen Dee, Chief Executive, Airport Operators Association 
  • Tony Smith CBE, Chair International Border Management and Technologies Association, ex-Director General (interim) Border Force
  • Sarah West, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Dover

At 10.30am

Panel 2

  • Professor Gabriel Scally, University of Bristol
  • Professor Annelies Wilder-Smith, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Purpose of the session

The session will examine the Government's contingency planning for the movement of goods and people during a pandemic and its response to Covid-19.

The Committee will take evidence from representatives of the Port of Dover, the Airport Operators Association and former interim Director General of Border Force, Tony Smith on the approach the Government has taken to ensure the continued movement of goods across UK borders. It will also look at what measures have been put in place to protect staff at key entry points, including the adequate supply of PPE equipment.

The session will also investigate the Government's approach to the use of quarantine for individuals entering the UK, particularly from areas that had a high incidence of Covid-19. This is likely to include how the UK's position on quarantine compares to other nations, and the quality of data use to inform decision making. 

Further information

Image: PA