NI Executive advises against travel to Republic and Great Britain

The North’s Executive has rejected an immediate ban on travel from Great Britain amid concerns over a new, more virulent strain of Covid-19 in England.

Instead ministers voted to issue immediate guidance advising against all but essential travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and between the North and the Republic.

Anyone who arrives into Northern Ireland will also be advised to self-isolate for 10 days.

The decision was made following an emergency meeting of the Executive on Monday night.

More than €17m in refunds for public transport passes paid out

---

‘Nothing is working as it should’: New Covid strain stalls Irish truckers in Britain

---

Cabinet set to announce new Covid restrictions amid third wave

---

Two of four new post-primary schools to be run by Educate Together

---

Minister for Health Robin Swann said on social media following the meeting that "more work was needed on the option of [A]legal travel ban, both legally and logistically - vital supplies to NI and essential travel need to be protected."

It is understood a proposal by Sinn Féin for a temporary ban on travel from Great Britain was defeated during the meeting. It was supported by the SDLP but opposed by the DUP, Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance.

After that was rejected, ministers then agreed to the proposals put forward in a paper from Mr Swann - which were drawn up following advice from the North’s Attorney General - without the need for a formal vote.

Ahead of the executive convening, Sinn Féin finance minister Conor Murphy wrote to Mr Swann expressing "dismay and astonishment" that he was not moving immediately to instigate a ban on travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.