'Holiday abroad is not a human right!' Matthew Wright rages at JHB over free Covid tests
MATTHEW WRIGHT has slammed a policy of free Covid tests for holidaymakers during a fiery rant on ITV This Morning.
This Morning: Hartley-Brewer and Wright clash over holidays
The ITV host clashed with political commentator Julia Hartley-Brewer over whether Britons should be entitled to free lateral flow tests before they travel to other countries for a holiday. Mr Wright argued that going on holidays abroad was a "luxury" and not a "right." He slammed the idea of "NHS funds" being used to allow people to go on private holidays. However fellow This Morning guest Julia Hartley-Brewer disagreed arguing that surplus coronavirus tests should be put to use.
Mr Wright said: "Look a holiday is a choice, it is a luxury.
"It is not necessarily a medical right.
"You are not being treated for something you are trying to use NHS funds for a private holiday."
"But we have millions of these tests anyway," fired back Ms Hartley-Brewer.
She continued: "We are told to keep people safe travelling in and out of the country.
"You have got to remember this;t about some people being able to go off on a week on the beach.
"A lot of families, thousands of families in this country have got family abroad.
"Close family members, parents, grandparents who they have not seen for a year and a half."
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Ms Hartley-Brewer added: "A lot of people are really really desperately missing those people and they want to be able to go abroad.
"And the cost of these tests if you can't get the free lateral flow or you have to pay for PCR.
"Look back in October these PCR tests were £200 they are now going down to as little as £60 in the case of some holiday companies, TUI just £20."
Brits will be able to go abroad for some summer sun from May 17 with an array of popular destinations on the government's "green list" of countries.
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However, under the "traffic light," system holidaymakers will have to take COVID-19 tests before they leave and on their return.
On average PCR tests can set you back as much as £120.
Boots are selling at-home PCR self-test offered by MyHealthChecked which costs £65 alongside an instore Covid testing service.
Asif Aziz, Director of Healthcare Services at Boots UK, said: “Now that holidaymakers can start planning a summer holiday abroad, we look forward to helping them stay safe when travelling."