UK government in talks over expanding Covid travel 'red list'

Ministers under growing pressure to prevent variants undermining vaccine programme

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Discussions are under way in Whitehall about expanding the travel red list" of countries as ministers face mounting pressure to prevent coronavirus variants undermining the vaccine programme.

The Guardian understands that officials met on Friday to consider the case for taking a tougher approach. British residents and nationals returning from countries on the red list must quarantine in an airport hotel for 10 days at a cost of 1,750, while other arrivals are banned. It remains illegal to go on holiday.