Angela Merkel raises hopes over European holidays for those who have received two vaccines - what the German chancellor said

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said double-jabbed Britons should be able to have a holiday in Europe without quarantine in the “foreseeable future”, following her opposition over the Delta variant.

She said travel restrictions are being reviewed for those who have received two Covid vaccinations, after holding talks with Boris Johnson at Chequers on 2 July.

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At a glance: 5 key points

- Merkel previously urged EU leaders to impose quarantine restrictions on Britons regardless of their vaccination status because of Delta variant surges

- She acknowledged that the strain first identified in India is now spreading “very rapidly” in Germany as well

- Although she did express “grave concern” to the Prime Minister over the number of football fans being allowed to attend Euro 2020 matches at Wembley - but Johnson said the vaccination programme allows larger numbers of spectators

- An attempt to forge closer ties was also announced by agreeing to establish regular inter-governmental consultations

- The Queen is to receive Mrs Merkel at Windsor Castle later on 2 July as part of the Chancellor’s visit, her 22nd since taking office in 2005

What’s been said

We have adopted certain protective measures when we were not so familiar with the Delta variant,” she told a joint press conference.

“We’re reviewing continuously our travel restrictions and we think that, in the foreseeable future, those who have received double jabs will then, according to our classification, and Britain now obviously is a high incidence area, will be able travel again without having to go into quarantine.”

Background

Mr Johnson met with his German counterpart at his Buckinghamshire residence, Chequers, as part of an international swan song before she steps down as Chancellor later this year.

The two leaders, who met at the G7 summit in Cornwall last month, also discussed post-Brexit relations between the UK and Germany and announced the creation of a new academic medal for women in science - in the German Chancellor’s honour.