Argyll and Bute MP condemns AirBnB owners for ‘putting personal profit before people’s health’

Brendan O’Hara MP expressed his concerns to the letting company after constituents complained that properties were still available to book

Brendan O’Hara wrote to company AirBnB to ask them to stop allowing their users to take bookings until the UK wide coronavirus lockdown has ended.

He claimed that hundreds of his constituents had contacted him to complain about the availability of surrounding properties for holiday makers, and expressed their concerns and fears about the possibility of visitors during the coronavirus lockdown.

Argyll and Bute MP condemns AirBnB owners

Mr O’Hara commented: “The message could not be clearer; ‘stay at home, stay safe and do not travel unless absolutely necessary’.

“So many responsible holiday home owners are turning away business because they do not want the virus being spread in the communities; I know this is hard for them when their livelihoods are at stake, but it is absolutely the right thing to do.

“Those who are still taking bookings stand accused of putting personal profit before people’s health.

“It is not OK for AirBnB operators to ignore the warnings. No one should be taking holidays just now or using holiday accommodation as a bolt-hole. This kind of behaviour is selfish and puts all local services and our NHS under far too much pressure.”

The UK Government released guidance on all non essential travel on March 16 and both the UK and Scottish Governments have released repeated warnings about not travelling this Easter weekend.

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