Coronavirus in Scotland: Ian Blackford warns of ban on non-essential travel to Scotland

Scotland could implement measures to prevent non-essential travel from coronavirus hotspots, the SNP’s Westminster leader has said.

It comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed the Welsh Government decision to ban visitors from high-risk areas of England.

Ian Blackford told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “We of course have the opportunity to put in place appropriate public health measures.

“What we can do, if necessary, is say that people should not travel from hotspots, whether they should be from in Scotland or people coming to Scotland from other parts of the United Kingdom.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London.

“But that will be done on an evidence-based approach where we think it’s appropriate to protect the people in all parts of the country from people travelling where it’s not necessary.

“When people have to travel for business, for work, and so on – essential journeys – they will still be allowed, but what we’re talking about is non-essential journeys, where it’s appropriate to do that.”

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