France eases travel ban placed on UK

Rail, air and sea services between the UK and France are resuming this morning after the French government agreed to ease its travel ban over COVID fears.

French citizens, British nationals living in France and hauliers are among those now able to travel – if they have a recent negative test.

Soldiers have joined NHS test and trace staff in Kent to carry out rapid tests on stranded lorry drivers.

Thousands of vehicles have been stuck there since the border was shut on Sunday.

Despite France and UK reaching an agreement, more than 50 other countries, including Italy, India and Pakistan, are continuing to block travellers from the UK.

Foreign governments acted after the UK government introduced strict  tier four stay at home restrictions across large parts of southern and eastern England in response to a new variant of coronavirus.