PLMR Insights: Almost ¾ say foreign nationals should quarantine upon arrival

74% believe foreign nationals entering the UK should quarantine for 14 days, according to a poll commissioned by PLMR. Featuring in the Telegraph, the results provide a snapshot of the public’s view. Just yesterday, the Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed plans to force UK arrivals to self-isolate for two weeks from the 8th June.

With only 2% of respondents strongly disagreeing with the plans, the results will be seen by the Government as a vindication of its strategy. The polling represents a blow to the aviation and travel industry, both of whom had expressed concern about the policy’s economic impact. The decision also comes as more than 200 travel and hospitality companies called on the government to change course on Monday.

When it came to UK nationals entering the UK, 68% agreed with the 14-day quarantine, while just 9% of respondents disagreed with the plans.

The poll, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of PLMR, also found that:

  • Over 55’s were the biggest supporters of the plan, with 63% strongly agreeing with the 14-day quarantine.
  • 16-25’s and 25-35’s showed the most scepticism towards the measures, with 12% somewhat disagreeing.
  • In total, just 7% of respondents disagreed with the plans

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Craig, CEO & Founder of PLMR, stated:

“The Government faces a careful balancing act between supporting the economic recovery while at the same time containing the virus’s re-emergence. The proposed quarantine plan is an example of Number 10’s desire to restore public trust in its strategy after a difficult few weeks. Despite the relentless efforts of the travel industry to quash the policy, the poll’s findings rationalise the Government’s willingness to, for the time being, press ahead – with almost 75% of respondents endorsing the quarantine. In early March, the Prime Minister received intense criticism for not stopping arrivals into the UK, yesterday’s decision suggests he does not want to be accused of making the same mistake twice.”

You can read the full findings here.

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