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Stanley Johnson has been criticised by MPs after flying to Greece despite Government advice urging Britons against all but essential international travel. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps argued Boris Johnson’s father was within his right to travel abroad. He insisted that he will have to quarantine for 14 days on his return as Greece is not on the UK’s list of safe countries.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Shapps said: “When you say restrictions, he will have ignored travel advice, not restrictions.

“The advice says you have to make your own decision about whether to travel.

“What he won’t be able to ignore of course is everyone returning to this country from a country not on the list will have to quarantine for 14 days.

“That would apply to him the same as anybody else who has left the country.”

Host Gillian Joseph interjected: “But the question was your view on him ignoring the advice.”

Mr Shapps continued: “It’s advice, everyone can decide what to do with the advice.”

Ms Joseph added: “So, the advice is optional?”

The Transport Secretary said: “The quarantine isn’t so he will still have to quarantine.”

Stanley Johnson shared a of his plane landing in Athens on Wednesday on social media platform Instagram.

He also posted a picture of himself wearing a face mask, which appeared to be taken in an airport.

Mr Johnson flew to Athens via Bulgaria, the Daily Mail said, because the Greek government has banned direct flights from the UK until mid-July.

He told the paper he was visiting the country on “essential business trying to COVID-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season”.

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He said: “I need to set up distancing measures at the property because they’re taking it very seriously here. The Greeks are trying to stop bulk arrivals from the UK but they were quite happy to have me coming in.

“All they wanted to know was where I was coming from and what I was doing. Then I had my temperature taken and was swabbed twice.”

Mr Johnson said air bridges must be set up “as soon as possible”, adding: “From what I’ve seen the arrival of the British will not be a danger to the Greeks because they’re so careful here.”

But his trip has angered MPs, with shadow minister Rosena Allin-Khan tweeting: “Most people have been following the guidelines and socially distancing – not everyone will get a holiday this year.”

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