A SOUTHEND MP has disagreed with Tory demands for the 14-day quarantine arrival period from abroad to be scrapped.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, has distanced himself from calls to remove the quarantine period for travellers who are entering the UK from other countries.

Some 40 Tory backbenchers are urging Boris Johnson to dump the rule in favour of an airport testing regime.

But Sir David still favours a cautious approach, saying: “The coronavirus pandemic and how best to deal with it has been dealt with in different ways by different governments in different countries.

“It appears to me that the world is still struggling to find the best approach, and it would be very welcome if all or most countries could agree a common strategy.

“The government has been right to be cautious in terms of people travelling abroad and returning to this country, but before anyone travels abroad the government should make them very aware of the risk they take if suddenly quarantine regulations change.”

The MP for Southend West added: “Of course testing at the airport is something that should be explored.

“But as I understand it the tests which are currently available cannot give the absolute certainty of outcome at an airport which a 14 day quarantine can.

“Obviously if the result is just as secure as a 14 day quarantine, there could be no objection, I just do not think that the case at the moment.

“Furthermore, I do not know if airport authorities have in place the arrangements for so doing.

“So, I feel at the moment until we are absolutely sure, a cautious approach should be taken.”

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A spokesperson from Southend Airport, said: “London Southend Airport has promoted a scalpel approach rather than the current sledgehammer method of quarantine throughout.

"We have also repeatedly called for a unified approach across all airports to ensure that there is clarity, consistency and proportionality. 

 “Many countries continue to see lower infection rates compared to the UK and the current, evolving quarantine arrangements, often introduced at little notice, lead to confusion and further diminish confidence in travel.

 “Should airport testing become viable, we would like to see a clear and unified approach. As the most modern London airport, offering space and leading-edge security technologies, London Southend Airport lends itself to innovation to improve safety.

"We continue to follow Government guidance which will include testing should it be approved, although it is important to note that the aviation industry has been hard hit and support in terms of resources and guidance when implementing any new requirements is key.”