Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Tuesday 11th May 2021

The Government has made it consistently clear it will take decisive action, if necessary, to contain the virus and Pakistan has been added to the “Red List” to protect public health.

The Government recognise the impact that the decision to place Pakistan on the red list will have on individuals. However, it is right that the Government does all it can to reduce the risk of new strains of COVID-19 being imported into the UK.

The decision was taken to protect against new variants of COVID-19 at a critical time for the vaccine programme. The addition of Pakistan to the red list was based on data alongside a consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC). With over 30 million vaccinations delivered in the UK so far, the additional restrictions will help to reduce the risk of new variants entering the country.

We offer deferred payment plans and hardship support for people who cannot afford to pay for the cost of this managed quarantine and testing up front. In some circumstances this may be available to those who are not in receipt of income related benefits.

The Pakistani community makes a huge contribution to British society and plays an important role in our relations with Pakistan. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) regularly engages on issues with the Pakistani community including any changes to our policy on travel restrictions during this pandemic.

Department of Health and Social Care

Parliamentary Debate

This petition has reached the threshold for a Parliamentary debate, but the debate has not been held. The Petitions Committee gave the following explanation.

The Petitions Committee have decided not to schedule a debate on this petition.

The Committee recognised the support that the petition had received. However, the central request of the petition has now been met with the Government's announcement that Pakistan is to be removed from the 'red list' for international travel. You can read more about changes to international travel rules here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, made a statement in the House of Commons on international travel on Monday 20 September, covering the changes to international travel rules. You can read the statement here: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/news/99341/committee-opens-consultation-on-its-working-methods.