A law firm representing travellers is seeking a judicial review of the UK’s quarantine hotel policy and rules.
Currently, on return from a country on the red list, travellers must stay for 11 nights in a quarantine hotel. Even if they are fully vaccinated and test negative for Covid.
However, PGMBM, a law firm based in London, calls it an “unlawful deprivation of liberty”, and has started legal proceedings.
The cost of staying in a quarantine hotel rose significantly to £2,285 on Thursday from £1,750.
Tom Goodhead, managing partner at PGMBM says: “Mandatory hotel quarantine is a fundamental breach of human rights”. He describes it as “false imprisonment” for people who have had two jabs and test negative. “Prisoners are entitled to more liberty than those forced to quarantine in hotels,” he argues.
Over 60 destinations are currently on the red list, including Mexico, Turkey, Kenya and many African countries. European countries Ireland and Norway have amended their schemes so fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from mandatory hotel quarantine.
Defence against Covid
A spokesperson for the UK government says, “we are determined to protect our country and the progress we have made thanks to the vaccine rollout”. This is the reason for decisive action at the border, including introducing the managed quarantine system. They say that all of the checks introduced are vital in strengthening our defence against the risks of new Covid variants.
They also argue that “countries around the world are taking equivalent action and apply a fixed charge for quarantine costs”. The cost includes testing, transport to the designated hotel, accommodation, food, security and essential services.
The law firm is seeking compensation on the grounds of breach of human rights. This is for any fully vaccinated UK person who has stayed at a quarantine hotel, as well as for those they are representing. The legal team also want the cost of hotel quarantine stays refunded to the travellers.
This is the second case PGMBM has brought about quarantine hotels, following one on financial hardship. This case resulted in the government offering those facing financial troubles the option to pay in 12 monthly instalments.
PGMBM say they “want to see this draconian policy scrapped and those affected properly compensated”.
According to Mr Goodhead, most of the travellers in contact with the law firm did not visit red list countries for holidays or leisure. The main reason for their trip was because of an emergency, or when “absolutely necessary”.
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