Ministers spark outrage for fresh loophole letting foreign businessmen swerve quarantine

MINISTERS sparked outrage today over a fresh loophole letting high-flying foreign businessmen swerve quarantine.

Bosses jetting in from amber list countries will be exempt from 10-day isolation – but only if they swing a deal that brings a big boost to Britain.

Already feeling the heat after bending the rules for UEFA fat cats, Downing Street insisted the controversial exemption will only apply to those creating “significant economic benefit”.

Footie legend Gary Neville hit back that “we all bring value to the economy” – and suggested it left the current restrictions in tatters. 

He tweeted: “That’s it. Do what you want everyone. It’s over… We all bring value to the economy!”

Labour’s Angela Rayner piled in to brand the exemption “an offensive slap in the face” that “makes a mockery of the sacrifices of the British people”.

Execs will still have to get tested and prove they’re worth exempting – defined as having a 50 per cent chance of saving or creating 500 jobs.

Besieged Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told MPs: “To my mind, if it helps thousands of people get and keep jobs it’s worthwhile.”

The PM’s official spokesperson said: “Protecting public health is our number one priority and that’s why those exemptions will only apply in truly exceptional circumstances.

“Many other countries have introduced similar exemptions and it’s important the UK public don’t lose out on prospective major investments and new jobs as a result of that.”

The Department for Business said: “This exemption is designed to enable activity that creates and preserves UK jobs and investment, while taking steps to ensure public health risks are minimised.”