Hotel quarantine must not stop grieving families saying goodbye - Liberal Democrats secure assurance from Government

Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael has secured assurances from the Home Secretary that bereaved family members will not be stung by new hotel quarantine measures.

Speaking to Priti Patel in the Commons today, Mr Carmichael urged the Government to ensure grieving families weren't priced out of saying goodbye to a loved one.

Ms Patel agreed that arrangements were needed to support those who needed to travel for "sad and exceptional" reasons.

Mr Carmichael, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs, said:

"Family bereavement is hard enough even without the extra barriers put up by the pandemic.

"It is right that we take measured steps to reduce the spread of the virus through international travel but people grieving loved ones must get additional support if they are forced to quarantine away from home.

"I am glad that the Home Secretary has recognised this need - we will be looking for further detail on this in the days to come. A little compassion included in these restrictions will go a long way."