UK self-catering holidays could restart from April, says government source

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s unlikely but it is being talked about as a possibility.” However, there are concerns that allowing travel too soon could see “big movements” across the UK, enabling infection rates to rise again. On 10 February, transport secretary Grant Shapps warned: “People shouldn’t be booking holidays right now, not domestically or internationally.” Health secretary Matt Hancock then said “there is uncertainty, and that means we cannot make categorical assurances” about summer holidays, urging the public to be patient. Inside a quarantine hotel on Heathrow's 'Isolation Row' But, meanwhile, he told LBC: “I absolutely hope for a great British summer and I’m working incredibly hard to try to make sure that can happen,” and even admitted he’d booked a place in Cornwall for the summer. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.” Even the prime minister has given conflicting advice on the subject; on 1 February, Boris Johnson said he was “optimistic” about summer holidays going ahead, while on 10 February he said: “I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” The same day, his official spokesperson told journalists that the decision of whether or not to book a holiday was “a choice for individuals”.