AMBER plus rules for travel to France are expected to be binned within days in another Government U-turn.
It follows a furious backlash from France and our own MPs who called it discriminatory and “scientifically unfounded”.
Under the rules, holidaymakers have to quarantine for ten days on their return to Britain — even if they are double jabbed.
But experts warned of more gloom on the horizon for sunseekers with the possibility of tougher rules for Spain where cases are looking “worrying” and “bleak”.
Data expert Tim White said “very high infection rates” mean ministers could create a new “amber watchlist” for countries that could move to red — including Italy and Canada.
Italy has also opted to keep in place rules which force British holidaymakers to quarantine for five days upon their arrival.
Ministers are still trying to persuade the US to open up its borders to us — as double-jabbed visitors from the States are now free to come here.
Trending In The News understands that the extra category for France is set for the axe within days — if Beta variant cases continue to fall there.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted yesterday that the concerns over the Beta variant were based on cases in mainland France, not the tiny department of Reunion island in the Indian Ocean.
He said it was right to continue with a “cautious” approach.
Mr Shapps added: “The Beta variant, it’s not just — as has been reported — on an island thousands of miles away.
“It was also an issue in particular in northern France, so it has been an overall concern.
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“And, look, the big concern is that we don’t allow a variant in which somehow is able to escape the vaccine programme that we have got.”
In a further blow, Greece signalled it is set to tighten lockdown on its party islands over growing cases.
Extra police have been deployed to Mykonos and Ios amid fears social distancing is not being obeyed.
Government minister Nikos Hardalias said the two popular isles are “one step” away from new curbs.
He also raised the alarm over Zakynthos, Tinos, Lefkada, Santorini, Paros and Rhodes.
Meanwhile, bars and nightclubs in Portugal will stay closed until October due to its outbreak.
But No 10 is closing in on an EU-wide deal with Brussels to open up hols for double-jabbed Brits.
