On 23 March 2021, the Government announced new legislation on COVID-19 restrictions which would include a ban on leaving the UK without a reasonable excuse – with a hefty fine issued to those breaking the rules.
COVID-19 Update | Rosenblatt’s Financial Crime Team
MP’s vote on the legislation titled the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps)(England) Regulations 2021 on Thursday 25 March. If approved these restrictions would come into effect on Monday 29 March and remain in force until 30 June, unless scrapped or amended beforehand.
The new law states that no one can “leave England to travel to a destination outside the United Kingdom, or travel to, or be present at, an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there to a destination outside the United Kingdom” without a reasonable excuse. This law will impose a £5,000 fine on those who breach it. Foreign travel was already illegal prior to this, but the £5,000 fine is a new measure hoping to act as a further deterrent to those contemplating international travel.
This announcement comes following another surge in Covid cases in Europe as well as the simultaneous slow rollout of vaccines across Europe. This has left many fearing a third wave and has cast doubt on the resumption of international travel this summer. The travel ban does not apply to those travelling to the common travel area of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.
Presently a £200 fixed penalty notice can be issued to those who fail to complete their travel declaration form which details an individual’s personal information and reason for travel.
The Prime Minister is expected to provide a further update on international travel sooner than expected as a taskforce looking into the issue has been scheduled to report back by 12 April. Although it appears widely accepted that the country’s roadmap for easing restrictions will remain unchanged with Britons unable to go abroad on holiday any time before 17 May at the earliest.
Rosenblatt can help
Rosenblatt has a wealth of experience in criminal law and is uniquely placed to support client’s crime needs during these unprecedented times, consistently ensuring a familiarity with the ever-changing Government guidance on COVID-19.
https://www.rosenblatt-law.co.uk/services/financial-crime/#financial-crime
