(COR0197)

Written evidence submitted by Anonymous (COR0197)

1. There have been numerous reports in the media lately about proposals to implement ‘Quarantine Hotels’, similar to those in Australia, for people returning to the UK from abroad. Although it is absolutely right that the Government take steps to ensure that further strains of the virus are not bought into the UK, I would like to highlight the unfairness that this would have on some UK citizens currently abroad. If UK citizens were subjected to this, it would effectively ban those who do not have £1000+ to spend on a hotel from returning.

2. I am currently studying and working from abroad and know a number of young people in similar situations as mine. None of us have an extra £1000 to spend on hotels upon our return to the UK, where our families and homes are, and so if implemented – we are effectively unable to return to our own countries. There is a perception that all those who are abroad at present are wealthy, when this is far from the case. I have never in my life spent the sums being quoted (£1000-£1500+) for ten days in a hotel, and if this policy were to be implemented – it would mean spending an entire month’s salary in 10 days, something which will have severe knock-on effects on my studies and future living situation.

3. If this measure were to be implemented, I would urge the Government for it not to be retrospective, and instead only apply to UK citizens who left after the policy was implemented. This will ensure that the policy is fair and stops those who left beforehand having to pay £1000-£1500 which they do not have and did not expect to pay. Those who then leave after the policy is implemented would be aware of the requirement to quarantine in a hotel.

4. I would also urge the Government to have a clear target for when this would end, and to fully assess the impact that it would have on the economy and on London’s role as a Global city.

February 2021