The UK hospitality industry will launch a legal challenge against the Government to prevent further lockdown restrictions.
Following the announcement of a new three-tier lockdown system, which will see areas with higher Covid rates imposed with harsher measures, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is leading a revolt against new rules that could see thousands of bars and restaurants ordered to close.
Two of the country’s biggest brewers and pub operators, Joseph Holt and JW Lees, are also involved in the challenge, alongside a further 10 hospitality businesses and organisations.
Sacha Lord, the night time economy advisor for Greater Manchester and one of those spearheading the resistance, said: “Once again the Government wants to shut down pubs and bars, but this cannot keep happening and we need to understand why the hospitality industry is being isolated like this – where is the scientific evidence to suggest closing venues suppresses transmission?”
The new restrictions, while not yet confirmed, are expected to hit large swathes of the north of England where the Covid-19 infection rate is growing fastest.
Proposed measures include a ban on households mixing indoors or outdoors, and another ban on people staying overnight outside their area of residence, with each local lockdown running in four-week blocks.
Scroll down for more updates.
04:11 PM
That's all for today
Here's a summary of the main headlines:
Prime Minister announces three-tier lockdown system
British Airways boss steps down
Airport testing would be "shot in the arm" for economy
Boost for the cruise industry as P&O welcomes UK's largest passenger ship
Hoteliers appeal to Nicola Sturgeon to relax alcohol ban
Join us tomorrow for more live coverage of the latest travel news.
04:02 PM
Jet2holidays cancels Spain and Portugal trips until February
Jet2Holidays has cancelled holidays to the Algarve, Malaga and Alicante until February 10 2021.
The travel agent had previously suspended programmes to the three popular holiday destinations until October 31, but with the pandemic still causing widespread disruption to travel, this has been extended into next year.
Flights to the Canaries, Barcelona, Turkey, Croatia, Zante and Crete are currently set to resume on November 1, while holidays to the Balearics are scheduled to do so a month later, although all are still very much under review.
03:46 PM
Video: Prime Minister announces three-tier lockdown system
The Prime Minister spoke to the House of Commons earlier today, outlining the new three-tier lockdown system, split between medium alert, high alert and very high alert.
London and Liverpool are among the areas which could face tougher restrictions.
Here's the announcement in full:
03:25 PM
Summer holidays to Christmas in New York – the best 2021 cruises out of Southampton
We’ve had quite enough of you, 2020, writes Joanna Booth. With your constantly fluctuating quarantine requirements and confusingly complex lockdown rules, you’re in danger of becoming our least favourite year.
lisbon cruise - iStock
But all is not lost. 2021 is in our sights, and with a host of tempting cruises leaving from Southampton, you can sail off to pastures new with ease and convenience. It’s time to get booking and start dreaming. Your next cruise is just around the corner.
'I'm owed a Covid refund but 6 months on, my airline is still dragging its heels'
After the deluge of Covid-19 refund claims, some cases seem to have slipped through the net – and the results aren't always satisfactory, warns Gill Charlton.
This was the case for one customer, whose flight home from Dubai was cancelled at the start of lockdown. Seven months on there was still no sign of a refund.
Tables at the soon-to-open Restaurant A380 in Singapore have sold out within the space of half an hour.
The dining experience at Singapore Changi Airport, hosted by Singapore Airlines on one of its grounded jumbo jets, has proved so popular that two more seatings have had to be added to accommodate desperate diners yearning for a taste of plane food.
Customers can opt for different tiers based on cabin class, ranging from a £30 Economy meal to a £360 dinner in one of the plane's top-end suites.
The airline is hoping the restaurant will help raise much-needed revenue after a catastrophic year of financial loss brought about by the pandemic.
A previous cash-raising idea based on 'flights to nowhere' provoked a staunch backlash from environmental campaigners.
02:36 PM
Calls grow for dedicated 'minister for hospitality'
Key figures working in the hotel and restaurant trades have joined a rapidly growing campaign for the Government to appoint a 'minister for hospitality' to represent the industry.
An online petition has so far garnered more than 18,000 signatures, with Tom Kerridge, Angela Hartnett and Marcus Wareing all declaring their support for the initiative.
The petition page, created by editor of Chef & Restaurant Magazine, Claire Bosi, states: "The UK hospitality industry. Responsible for around 3m jobs, generating £130bn in activity, resulting in £38bn in taxation. Yet, unlike the Arts or Sports, we do not have a dedicated Minister.
"We are asking that a Minister for Hospitality be created for the current, and successive governments."
02:20 PM
Spirit of Adventure cruise ship greeted by sister vessel on arrival in Britain
It wasn’t the public welcome with rows of camera-clicking spectators that Saga would otherwise have expected for the arrival in Britain of a brand new ship, reports Dave Monk.
But as Spirit of Adventure docked at the Essex port of Tilbury last night, she was given a warm greeting by older sister Spirit of Discovery as the two ships came bow-to-bow.
Safaris could hardly be more Covid-safe – it's time Africa had UK travel corridors
'In many parts of Africa, you're more likely to bump into an elephant than another human' - Getty
Many African countries have very low infection rates and deserve to be on the UK's 'green list', writes safari expert James Wilson:
In many parts of Africa, you're more likely to bump into an elephant than another human – and in Botswana we have the world’s highest concentration of these animals.
Despite our extremely low infection rate (currently 2 per 100,000 citizens; compared to the UK's score of 166), Botswana's government and the private sector are taking no chances when it comes to the pandemic.
One wonders why the UK would advise against travel to Botswana or our neighbouring countries, when countries including Italy and Sweden – both with case rates of 44 and 40 respectively – are exempt from that warning and have travel corridors. Germany, for one, has now removed Botswana from its red list. It is time the UK followed suit.
The three-tier, or 'traffic light' system will see different parts of the country placed in different categories dependent on rates of infection, with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest restrictions.
Here is what we expect the three tiers to look like:
Tier One: Similar to current national restrictions, including the rule of six, 10pm curfew for pubs, group sport only being played outdoors and a maximum of 15 guests at wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
Tier Two: Here the rules expected to be similar to those currently in place in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, where different households will not be allowed to mix in any indoor setting, including in pubs and cafes and that a 10pm curfew will remain in place.
Tier Three: This will be the strictest level, which will run in four-week blocks, subject to a monthly review. Restrictions could include a potential ban on household mixing indoors and outdoors, pubs, restaurants, bars and bookmakers forced to shut, and people told not to travel beyond their local area except for essential reasons.
At 3.30pm, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address the House of Commons to announce the measures.
01:45 PM
English National Ballet will return to the stage this Christmas
Great news for ballet fans – and for anyone dreaming of a festive London minibreak: English National Ballet has announced it will return to the stage this winter, with performances of festive medley Nutcracker Delights.
The ballet company, which is currently celebrating its 70th year, will perform the Christmas-themed production at the London Coliseum this December and January; as well as Reunion: An Evening with English National Ballet at Sadler’s Wells in November.
'Despite the challenges faced, we have been able to find a way for the tradition to live on," says Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet’s Artistic Director - English National Ballet
Nutcracker Delights comprises of the ballet’s most popular moments and iconic scenes, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous score – played live by musicians from English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet’s Artistic Director said: “English National Ballet has performed a version of The Nutcracker every year since we were founded in 1950 and I’m so pleased that, despite the challenges faced, we have been able to find a way for the tradition to live on, in this, our 70th Anniversary year.
“It’s more important than ever that we are able to bring audiences some festive joy this Christmas.”
01:30 PM
Autumn colours as you've never seen them before
In Jiangsu Province, China, the flower displays at Santai Mountain Forest Park are currently in full bloom:
The landscape turns pink and orange every year - Getty Visitors can walk between the blooms - Getty
01:15 PM
'Fear is often the gateway to wonder' – author Abi Elphinstone on the holiday that made her brave
'It spread out down the streets, where there were hundreds of parties' - Getty
A trip to Brazil brought out the daredevil – and the extrovert – in children’s author Abi Elphinstone:
I was terribly shy as a child, but my mother’s advice to me growing up was “Do it scared”. I like dancing when no one is watching, but I would never have thought I would dance my way through the streets of Rio. But the carnival is such an expression of joy, you forget yourself.
It was a kaleidoscope of colour, with sequins, fur headdresses, and so much music. It took four hours to dance down a mile-long stretch of the Sambadrome, flanked by enormous rows of stadium seats. Then it spread out down the streets, where there were hundreds of street parties. I’d been to nightclubs and parties back home, but this was bigger, brighter and louder...
Member nations of the EU are preparing to vote on a common set of rules for travel as the pandemic continues, including a traffic-light system to guide restrictions.
The proposals by the EU Commission have been debated and amended, and now face a final vote tomorrow.
If passed, it will see all 27 EU states agree to a colour-coded response to travel restrictions: European regions will be categorised as green, orange or red according to the level of risk.
Travellers from 'green' countries will not face quarantine restrictions, although national governments will continue to set their own restrictions for those arriving from 'orange' or 'red' countries.
12:55 PM
5 glorious Greece getaways to book this month
The nights may be lengthening in Britain, but it’s not too late for a final burst of sunshine in Greece, says Henry Jones. The five islands restored to the UK’s “travel corridor” list on Thursday – including Santorini – certainly increase our options.
kefalonia - Getty
And to these can be added some classic Greek islands which have never been on our no-go list.
Following the news that travel to New York might be possible again in the near future, would you by tempted by a winter break in the Big Apple? Have your say in our Twitter poll:
Start spreading the news. Plans for a New York travel corridor are underway.
Welsh politicians seek travel ban for English would-be visitors
The Welsh First Minister has expressed his "deep disappointment" that English residents in high-risk areas will not be prohibited from travelling into Wales.
Mark Drakeford attended an emergency COBRA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister today to discuss a new three-tier system of restrictions to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Reports indicate that the PM is refusing to impose travel bans on those living in third tier areas – those with the highest infection rates – and will instead issue a 'recommendation' that residents do not leave.
A Welsh government spokesperson said: “The First Minister expressed deep disappointment at the inadequate proposals for travel restrictions in high infection areas in England, and said these would be met with great dismay in many parts of Wales where infection rates are lower.”
Health Minister Vaughan Gething has since confirmed that the Welsh government cabinet will meet to discuss the legality of using public health powers to prevent English visitors from crossing into Wales.
12:08 PM
How BA can win back favour – a manifesto for its new boss
The sudden departure of British Airways’ Chief Executive, Alex Cruz - who stepped down today - is an indication of the huge pressures currently faced by the airline industry, writes Nick Trend. Much of the criticism of Cruz has centred on his handling of job cuts at the airline and employment terms and conditions for those that managed to keep their jobs. But where do BA’s passengers fit into the picture?
Let’s put the immediate crisis to one side for a moment, and assume that the airline industry manages to get back to some kind of normality by – say – next summer. What should the BA’s priorities be then?
Which country will be removed from the 'green list' next?
Grant Shapps surprised everyone at last Thursday's travel update when he announced that no countries were to be added to the UK's quarantine list.
Instead, the Greek islands of Santorini, Zakynthos (Zante), Serifos, Lesbos and Tinos have been given the green light for travel corridors again, just weeks after they were slapped with quarantine restrictions following regional spikes in coronavirus infections.
Furthermore, with the advent of a new taskforce introduced to look at ways in which quarantine can be reduced with testing, travel connections with dozens more countries could soon be reestablished for the first time in more than six months.
Until then, however, UK holidaymakers are rigidly bound to a fickle travel corridor system which, as we've seen in recent months, can change at a moment's notice. To help, here's a summary of the coronavirus situation in some of our top holiday destinations:
11:27 AM
Airport testing would be "shot in the arm" for economy
The chief executive of London City Airport has told the new Global Travel Taskforce that airport testing could give UK businesses "a much-needed shot in the arm".
Robert Sinclair highlighted data from a report by WPI Strategy which shows that domestic air travel alone was worth £15 billion to the economy prior to the pandemic, and that 88 per cent of UK business leaders believe air travel is important to the future success of their business.
“The UK aviation industry is the third largest in the world and a global success story," said Mr Sinclair. "But it is not just an industry itself, it also acts as an enabler of other industries such as trade, tourism, hospitality, imports, exports and conferences.
"We know the demand for air travel is there, but restrictive quarantine measures are currently holding business leaders back from flying, and the UK economy from beginning its recovery."
Comment: Long live the rule of six – that's always been my dinner party limit
With everything from social gatherings to group holidays, any more than six members tends to throw off the dynamic, says Anna Hart.
A couple of summers ago, entirely of my own accord, I banned myself from attending dinner parties with more than six guests. It felt imperative to protect myself from the serious health repercussions of a tiresome Thursday evening, and it seemed irresponsible to infect other healthy diners with my highly contagious case of disaffection.
Let’s face it, when you stick eight people on a table, the likelihood of enjoyment dwindles dramatically. With a wider circle, the probability is higher that you’ll be sitting next to someone you don’t know or want to know. Worse still, with eight or more sparring voices to contend with, these tedious neighbours are the only people you can actually communicate with.
On an inauspicious table, this is akin to being squashed into middle seat E on an economy flight, forced to tuck in your elbows and mumble awkward sentences at strangers on either side.
Boost for the cruise industry as P&O welcomes UK's largest passenger ship
P&O Cruises has officially taken ownership if its newest ship in what has been heralded as a "positive signal for the future of cruising".
Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Iona is the largest cruise ship ever constructed for the UK market, with 17 guest decks, eight restaurants, 13 entertainment venues and four swimming pools.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “Iona’s delivery is a very positive signal for the future of cruising. She is now officially part of the P&O Cruises fleet and we are focused on readying her to welcome guests during her new maiden season to Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton.
“Whilst our operations are currently paused until early 2021 Iona will not be sailing for the moment but we look forward to our guests experiencing this game-changing ship as we will continue to offer unparalleled holidays at sea whilst also upholding the latest approved travel protocols.”
10:49 AM
Heathrow demands November 1 deadline for airport testing
The Government's new Global Travel Taskforce must act swiftly to implement airport testing and save the economy, the chief executive of Heathrow has warned.
John Holland-Kaye described the taskforce as "a great step forward", but urged it to move quickly in order to "save the millions of UK jobs that rely on aviation".
“Implementing ‘test and release’ after five days of quarantine would kick start the economy," he added.
“But the government could show real leadership by working with the US to develop a common international standard for pre-departure testing that would mean that only Covid-free passengers are allowed to travel from high risk countries.”
New figures reveal that September traffic was down by 82 per cent compared to last year, while a report from consultancy York Aviation concludes that the UK economy is losing £32 million a day while air travel links with the US remain closed.
10:32 AM
Holidays at sea are slowly returning – how are the major cruise lines faring?
While travellers in Britain and the US wait for the cruise industry to sail again, many lines have restarted in other parts of the world and are already safely carrying thousands of passengers, writes Dave Monk.
After small beginnings involving a few operators, mainstream players such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises are now back in the game with a host of measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, including testing passengers as they wait to board and only allowing guests ashore on official excursions.
Hoteliers appeal to Nicola Sturgeon to relax alcohol ban
More than 100 Scottish hoteliers have written to Nicola Sturgeon, urging her to relax a ban on serving alcohol to guests.
The owners and managers of some of Scotland's leading hotels wrote: "We are talking about trying to survive, not about profitability.
"Without this small change in your policy, there will be thousands more job losses in the coming month.”
Under current restrictions, the majority of hotels are restricted to serving alcohol outside only until 10pm, after which all sales must cease.
In some areas where the number of cases is higher – namely Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley – the sale of alcohol by licenced premises is completely forbidden.
Climate change poses an ever-increasing threat to the residents of Tokyo, with the threat of flooding brought on by torrential rainstorms and typhoons a growing concern.
For protection, the city relies on the underground water reservoir in nearby Kasukabe, dubbed the 'underground Parthenon' on account of its spectacular size (the length of two football pitches) and soaring columns.
Alex Cruz has left his role as CEO of British Airways amidst "the worst crisis faced in our industry".
He will take up the post of non-executive chairman, with Sean Doyle, the chairman and chief executive of sister airline Aer Lingus, stepping in to take the helm.
The chief executive of parent company IAG, Luis Gallego, said: "IAG has proved itself to be one of the world's leading airline groups with a portfolio of successful companies. We're navigating the worst crisis faced in our industry and I'm confident these internal promotions will ensure IAG is well placed to emerge in a strong position.
"I want to thank Alex for all that he has done at British Airways. He worked tirelessly to modernise the airline in the years leading up to the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Since then, he has led the airline through a particularly demanding period and has secured restructuring agreements with the vast majority of employees."
British Airways has been locked in a bitter struggle with unions over plans to cut 12,000 staff – almost a third of its workforce – after the pandemic forced the airline to reduce capacity to just 20 per cent.
09:14 AM
What's the situation in Greece?
Greece recorded 453 new cases on September 21, its highest daily figure since May, and was removed from Scotland's travel "green list" recently. Furthermore, several islands, including Crete and Mykonos, have been removed from the quarantine-free lists of England and Wales.
However, deaths remain low and, despite the country's seven-day case rate creeping above 20 per 100,000 (it's currently just under 23), it looks unlikely to be removed from the UK-wide list.
09:00 AM
Spain approves regional travel corridors for holiday islands
The regional authorities in the Canary and Balearic islands have agreed a set of protocols with the Spanish national government that could see holidaymakers return.
It means that UK may soon be able to establish a regional corridor with the tourist hotspots, although some restrictions would still be in place.
It is understood that anyone travelling from a country with an infection rate of more than 50 per 100,000 in the last 14 days will be allowed to enter the archipelago regions, but must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure.
The UK's current 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases is 242.4 per 100,000.
Meanwhile, Spain is witnessing the worst spate of new infections in Europe with a rate of 308.1 per 100,000 in the last two weeks, although regional infection rates in the Canaries and Balearics are far lower.
08:45 AM
The pandemic at a glance
Here's our map showing how different countries are coping with Covid. There are currently more than 8 million confirmed active cases worldwide.
08:24 AM
Singapore and Indonesia announce 'green lane' travel link
The governments of Singapore and Indonesia have agreed to reestablish travel links between their two countries, although some restrictions will remain in place.
Applications to travel via the 'green lane' will open on October 26, but will only be open to those travelling for essential business or official purposes.
Stringent health measures will be put in place, and all travellers will be required to take two Covid-19 tests: one before departure, and another upon arrival.
Singapore was quick to impose a blanket travel ban when the coronavirus pandemic was declared in March, but has been steadily reopening its borders in recent weeks, and now has similar 'green lane' arrangements with China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Brunei.
08:06 AM
Good morning!
Before we start, here's a brief re-cap of of the weekend's headlines:
Netherlands records second highest case increase in Europe
Spanish regions get tighter restrictions as cases rise
Fresh hopes for Asian-Pacific travel corridors as talks restart
South Korea to ease restrictions as cases continue to fall
British holidaymakers cancel Italy holiday plans
Cases rising all over the UK, but especially in North
Russia reports record daily case rise
Australia records no deaths but hot spot faces prolonged lockdown
Hospitality workers in Scotland stage protest against closures
Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.
Former NBA guard Darius Morris has died at the age of 33. He played for five teams during his four NBA seasons. Morris played college basketball at Michigan.
Budgeting apps can help you keep track of your finances, stick to a spending plan and reach your money goals. These are the best budget-tracking apps available right now.
After 56 pro fights and losses in three of his last four, the UFC veteran knows what fans think about the state of his career – but he also knows they've been wrong before.
Ohtani tagged Braves ace Max Fried for a two-run shot in the first inning, then hit a solo shot in the eighth as the Dodgers prevailed in a battle of NL favorites.
