LONDON: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has defended plans for prison sentences of up to 10 years for returning travellers who try to evade strict coronavirus quarantine rules.Ministers have faced.
Two families who have united to call for stiffer penalties after losing teenage children to dangerous drivers have criticised plans to impose 10-year prison sentences on travellers who try to evade coronavirus quarantine rules.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Tuesday that people returning to England from 33 red list destinations would have to pay £1,750 to quarantine for 10 days in Government-designated hotels.
Those caught lying about their movements could be fined £10,000 or jailed for 10 years.
But critics have said the penalties are disproportionate to the offence, with former Supreme Court justice Lord Sumption arguing the penalties are more severe than those for some violent or sexual offences.