Proposals to create an ‘amber watch list’ as part of the Government’s Covid travel rules have been abandoned.

Ministers had planned to create the new category for countries at risk of being moved into the red list under the Government’s risk-based traffic light system.

The new sub category was tipped to include popular tourist destinations such as Spain and Italy, which would be at risk of joining the red list at short notice and forcing travellers into quarantine hotels.

But following a revolt from Tory MPs, Labour and complaints from the travel industry that the list would cause more confusion, Government sources confirmed it will be axed.

It comes after the prime minister said earlier today that he wanted a ‘simple and user-friendly’ travel system for the public – hinting that plans could be ditched.

Asked if he personally backed such a move earlier today, Boris Johnson said: ‘I understand how much people plan, prepare, for the summer holidays.

‘But we have also got to remember this is still a dangerous virus and we must try and stop variants coming in, must stop importing variants from abroad, so we have to have a balanced approach.

‘What I want to see is something that is as simple and as user-friendly for people as possible.’

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Ministers are due to meet on Thursday to review the traffic light system and decide what travel rules will be in place for the rest of August.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has reportedly been pushing for the ‘amber watchlist’ idea to be shelved, reported The Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is said to have told the PM that the UK’s entry and exit rules are ‘out of step with our international competitors’ and are hurting the economy.

More to follow…

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