Exclusive

Grant Shapps aims to try and "drive down" cost of PCR airport tests for holidaymakers

9 April 2021, 08:50 | Updated: 10 April 2021, 00:47

Grant Shapps pledges to try and "drive down" cost of airport tests

By Maddie Goodfellow

Grant Shapps has told LBC that he is looking to "drive down" the cost of "expensive airport testing" for holidaymakers, following the announcement that testing and a traffic light system will be used for international travel in the future.

Speaking to Nick Ferrari at breakfast on LBC, the Transport Secretary said he agrees that private tests are "too expensive"

Questioned by Nick over what will be done about the costs, Mr Shapps explained: "We are going to be having a very close look over this next few weeks at why the costs are not being driven down.

"And we will perhaps even take a look at removing some providers who only seem to be offering very high cost PCR tests - the gold standard ones.

Pushed on what he means by "removing" providers, Mr Shapps explained: "Currently, there is a whole list of private providers, and you will see a massive range from around £65 all the way up to a couple of hundred pounds per test.

"And of course the quality of the test must be the gold standard but why is there such a range? And why is that cost not coming down? Do we need more providers to create more competition?

"So that is something I am going to be working with the travel industry and private testing providers on to drive that cost down and try and make this as cheap and convenient as possible."

Nick Ferrari questions Shapps over logic of Covid testing rules

Nick also pushed the secretary of state on the cost of testing for a family going on holiday, explaining that a family of four with children over 11 years old would be looking at around £180 for testing to go on holiday.

Mr Shapps replied: "Whatever we do this summer, we do not want to thrown away all of our hard work. So of course there is an abundance of caution in this.

"Which is why people will have to carry out testing and quarantine and all the rest of it.

"But I am ver mindful of the costs and I am looking at whether free departure tests could be brought from home, as people are now able to get two lateral flow tests every week for free.

"So could you take those tests away with you and test yourself before you get home?"

Nick Ferrari asks why restrictions aren't being eased quicker

Hs comments come after the Department for Transport (DfT) refused to confirm whether Brits would be allowed to go abroad for their holidays from 17 May or which destinations people can visit without self-isolating upon return.

On Friday, while announcing the findings of the Global Travel Taskforce, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the government will use a traffic light system for foreign travel.

The policy will categorise countries based on a number of factors relating to their coronavirus risk.

Mr Shapps also said ministers will work with the travel sector and providers of private tests to reduce the cost of trips overseas.

Free pre-departure tests could be introduced, along with cheaper tests when holidaymakers return.

These are the rules for each category:

  • Green: There is no need to self-isolate. Take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two of your arrival in the UK.
  • Amber: Self-isolate for 10 days, unless you receive a negative result from a test taken at least five days after arrival. Take a pre-departure test, and PCR tests on day two and day eight of your arrival in the UK.
  • Red: Spend 11 days in a quarantine hotel. Take a pre-departure test, and PCR tests on day two and day eight of your arrival in the UK.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

"I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me," Jones, who also uses the name Samantha Strable, posted on social media.

American influencer apologises after being threatened with deportation for snatching baby wombat from mum

The Forum Chinese Restaurant

Chinese restaurant chef uses CCTV to prove 'nonsense' reviews wrong

Soccer - International Friendly - Venezuela v Nigeria

England star John Fashanu arrested over 'five crimes' as he sues police for £100,000 compensation

NASA astronauts Nick Hague, right, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore. (NASA via AP)

'Stranded' NASA astronauts set to return from nine month space mission - but what health issues could they face?

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference in the Downing Street Briefing Room after hosting virtual meeting with international leaders to discuss support for Ukraine.

Military chiefs to meet in UK next week - as Starmer confirms Ukraine peace effort ‘moving into operational phase’

Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast in England, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Dan Kitwood/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian captain of Solong container ship remanded in custody following crash with US oil tanker

BRITAIN-UKRAINE-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS-DEFENCE

'Coalition of the willing': Starmer hosts Ukraine peace summit as PM urges Putin to 'come to the negotiating table'

Joanne Penney, 40.

Five charged and one arrested after fatal shooting of 'deeply loved' mother

Ozdemir Zia hit Edna McLean as he turned his double-decker near Woolwich Arsenal station, London.

Bus driver avoids jail after killing 83-year-old pensioner in 'momentary error'

Front facade of a pretty country cottage, Netherbury, Dorset, UK - John Gollop

Met Police suggest planting roses in your garden could deter would-be burglars

March 11, 2025, London, England, UK: Actor, director and writer NOEL CLARKE arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice for his libel case against The Guardian over articles on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Actress said to have been groped by actor Noel Clarke tells court 'it is a lie'

Melbourne, Australia. 15th Mar, 2025. Lando Norris of McLaren celebrates taking pole position during Qualifying at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Lando Norris takes pole in Australia GP qualifying - as Lewis Hamilton trails in eighth on Ferrari debut

Merritt Island, Florida, USA. 14th Mar, 2025. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Crew-10 astronauts lifts off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Mar. 14.

SpaceX rocket finally launches to bring two stranded NASA astronauts back to earth after nine months

The body of 23-year-old Martine Vik Magnussen was discovered in a basement in Great Portland Street, London, in 2008

On-the-run suspect urged to hand himself in 17 years on from murder and rape of student found dead in basement

Pint of Guinness in front of different ale and beer pumps, The Merchant's Arch Bar & Restaurant, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Guinness pint prices could soar to more than £6 due to Trump’s tariff war