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Covid international travel rules

Testing and quarantine requirements have been progressively removed since the start of 2022.

Are there any rules for international travel to the UK?

Testing and quarantine requirements have been progressively removed since the start of 2022. Testing and quarantine requirements were removed for fully vaccinated individuals and under 18s on 11 February, and then for unvaccinated individuals on 18 March, along with passenger locator forms for all arrivals. [1] Remaining restrictions were also removed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [2]

International travel for leisure in England had first resumed in May 2021. Initially countries were given a red, amber, or green rating with different rules for testing and quarantining on return.

The government simplified this system in October 2021, with only the red list remaining, and the red list was cleared of all countries on 1 November. In late November and early December 2021, some countries were added again, amid concerns about the Omicron variant. These countries were removed again as it became clear that Omicron was circulating widely within the UK. [3]

Arrivals from red list countries were required to take a pre-departure test and book a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel with day 2 and day 8 tests, regardless of vaccination status. For countries not on the red list, arrival requirements depended on vaccination status, with vaccinated travellers subject to fewer requirements than unvaccinated arrivals by the end of 2021.  

The government has stated that it has contingency plans in place for a new variant but these have not been set out in detail. [4]

Is this in line with what other countries are doing?

A small number of countries have also removed all travel restrictions – including Ireland, Iceland, Norway. But many still have some entry requirements, particularly when it comes to testing. Others are also still restricting access for unvaccinated individuals or, in a few cases, for most non-residents. [5]

How do Covid passports for travel work?

Although travel to the UK is no longer dependent on vaccination status, many countries still require proof of vaccination.

A Covid passport for travel is incorporated into the existing NHS app (which is different from the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app). [6] The app is also available for Welsh residents, while Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own apps. Fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can now request an NHS Covid pass letter for travel. From 3 February 2022 children aged 13 and over will be able to access a Covid pass for travel through the app, and those 12 and over will be able to request a PDF online. [7]

What are the potential challenges ahead?

Since the spread of the Delta variant in spring 2021, with questions about whether India should have been added to the red list sooner, the government has faced a tricky balance between the pressure to open up travel and the need for continued caution about Covid transmission and the spread of new variants.

All travel restrictions when entering the UK have now been removed. However, most other countries still retain some restrictions, meaning that travel from the UK is still affected.

The major question remaining is what the government will do if a new variant emerges. It has said that contingency plans are in place to respond to any future variants but has not set out in detail what those plans would mean for travel. [8]

• Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19 ; Department for Transport, Department of Health and Social Care, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK, 14 March 2022, www.gov.uk/government/news/all-covid-19-travel-restrictions-removed-in-the-uk
• Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19 ; Scottish Government, Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel, www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine ; Welsh Government, International travel to and from Wales: coronavirus, 4 October 2021, https://gov.wales/rules-international-travel-and-wales-coronavirus ; NI Direct Government Services, Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice, www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice
• Department for Transport, Department of Health and Social Care, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Travel Update: 47 countries and territories removed from red list, 7 October 2021, www.gov.uk/government/news/travel-update-47-countries-and-territories-removed-from-red-list ; Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/red-list-of-countries-and-territories
• BBC News, Covid travel restrictions have ended in the UK, 18 March 2022, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60789979
• GOV.UK, Foreign travel advice,  www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• The app is available to individuals over 16 who are registered with a GP surgery in England. Individuals who cannot access the app can get a paper certificate by calling the NHS 119 helpline after 17 May. Certificates will be available from five days after a second vaccine dose: see Department of Health and Social Care, Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England, 7 May 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
• Welsh Government, Get your NHS COVID Pass,  https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-pass-prove-your-vaccination-status#section-70614 ; NI Direct Government Services, Apply for a Travel COVID vaccination certificate,  www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-certificate-ni-residents ; www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status ; www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass#children
• BBC News, Covid travel restrictions have ended in the UK, 18 March 2022,  www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60789979

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New international travel rules are in force in the UK from today as the government’s “traffic light” system is replaced with simpler rules.

Under the new two-category system , countries and territories previously on the amber and green lists are merged in a “rest of the world” category, while the red list - due to be updated later this week - will remain for high-risk destinations.

Rules on testing have also changed, with fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red-list countries no longer required to take pre-departure tests - either PCR or lateral flow tests - in the three days before arriving in the UK.

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UK travel industry ‘choked’ by Covid restrictions What does ethical travel look like now? World Health Organization: the latest Covid variants of concern

Downing Street has simplified the UK’s travel rules following widespread criticism of the “confusing” traffic light system, said The Guardian . “Government sources have also suggested that slashing the number of red list countries could incentivise vaccinations,” according to the paper.

As the new system kicked off, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the UK was “accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good”. The minister welcomed the rule changes as “good news for families, businesses and the travel sector”, adding: “Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than eight in ten people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”

Day two PCR test rules

For now, all travellers arriving in England from non-red-list countries will still need to book and pay for a PCR test two days after arrival, as well as complete a passenger locator form.

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However, from the end of October, fully vaccinated new arrivals will no longer be required to take a PCR test on day two, and will instead only have to take a lateral flow test. If the test is positive, passengers will still have to isolate, as well as take a PCR test to confirm if they have the illness, which will be done at “no additional cost”, reported The Guardian ’s assistant travel editor Nazia Parveen.

No specific date for the PCR tests rule change has been announced yet, but “ministers are aiming to have it in place for the half-term school break”, according to the BBC .

Whether other UK nations will follow England in removing day two PCR tests is also currently unclear. The Scottish government “says it is aiming to align its post-arrival testing travel policies with the UK government, and will announce this once it has been confirmed”, the Daily Record reported.

The Welsh government is also considering a travel rules rethink, but the country’s health and social services minister has warned that the changes are “not without risk”, reported WalesOnline . Eluned Morgan said that “our considerations will be underpinned by robust evidence and our main focus will continue to be on reducing the risk to public health in Wales”.

Sounding a note of caution, she warned that the changes “weaken the line of defence on importing infection and increase opportunities for new infections and new variants to enter the UK and Wales. Vaccines can help reduce this risk but only if they are effective against new and emerging variants of concern and high-risk variants under investigation.”

Unvaccinated arrivals

To qualify as vaccinated under the new rules, passengers must have had a full course of an approved jab at least 14 days before arriving in England, and the doses must have been administered in the UK, EU or US, or as part of one of 18 other approved overseas vaccination programmes.

The rules for new arrivals who do not meet these criteria are “more stringent” now that the green and amber lists have been merged, said the i news site.

Travellers who are not fully jabbed have to self-isolate “regardless of destination as they can no longer take advantage of the green list, which offered more lenient rules for people without a jab”, explained the newspaper.

Unvaccinated arrivals from any non-red-list country also still have to do a pre-departure test in the three days before arrival, followed by PCR tests on day two and day eight, and must also quarantine at home for ten days.

However, the Test to Release scheme will remain an option for unjabbed arrivals, who can pay for a private Covid test on day five and then end their quarantine if the result is negative.

Travelling to the UK from red list countries

The rules for new arrivals from red-list countries remain unchanged. These passengers must take a pre-departure test and pre-book a mandatory 11-night quarantine package in a government-approved hotel, at the minimum cost of £2,285 for one adult. The package includes two PCR tests, to be taken on day two and day eight of quarantine.

Only UK or Irish residents will be allowed to enter the UK from red-list destinations.

The rules apply to all UK arrivals from red-list countries, regardless of vaccination status.

Countries currently on the red list

A total of 54 countries are on the red list at the moment. But according to The Sunday Telegraph , the list will be “slashed to as few as nine this week”. The paper reported yesterday that Whitehall sources had claimed countries due to come off the list in time for the October half-term included South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Cape Verde and Indonesia.

These countries are currently on the red list:

• Afghanistan
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Dominican Republic
• French Guiana
• Philippines
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago

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Brits going on holiday warned over airport security rule change due to start next week

Big rule changes are on the way if you're heading through uk airports.

Tom Earnshaw

The time has almost come for the most revolutionary development in airport travel across the United Kingdom as a new policy looks set to be implemented within days.

And one travel expert is sending a warning to Brits over the rule, claiming that four out of five UK travellers are unaware of the massive rule change at airport security.

We all know just how awful the airport security process can be when you're looking forward to jetting off . That excitement to get in to the skies and land at your destination endures a temporary lull as you do thing Brits do best: queue.

And it's a process that gets even worse when people don't pack their bags properly. Yes, we're talking about you with your 500ml bottle of water or a 20cm by 20cm toiletries bag that's bursting at the seams.

Well, thankfully that's going to be a thing of the past very, very soon.

For nearly two decades now, we've been made to whack all of the liquids in our hand luggage in a 20cm by 20cm plastic bag, with nothing topping 100ml in size .

It's now time for change, though, with the government moving to bring in new legislation on the issue to speed up airport security queues.

It means that the 100ml limit will be scrapped as well as the need for all your liquids to go in a separate plastic bag within your luggage.

A really drastic change to the rules mean you can now carry two litres of liquids in your hand luggage, if you so wish to take that much with you. Although doing that could land you in a tricky spot .

The rule changes were meant to have been brought in two years ago to speed up security queues but were pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic .

So far, only four UK airports have brought in the new changes ahead of when the rules go live; those being Teesside, London City, Birmingham and Newcastle airports.

The new rules will start going live from Saturday, 1 June, in a major boost to those heading overseas. But they're rules four in five aren't aware of.

Anton Radchenko, founder and CEO of AirAdvisor, told the Mirror: "Considering this rule holds significant importance and will redefine how we travel, people should be aware of it."

Other airports have now been given until the 2025 summer season to get ready, meaning there could be another year of queues for millions heading abroad.

Heathrow Airport declined to comment at this stage on the timescale of its changes. It understood the upgrades to its airport will cost £1 billion .

A total of 146 security lanes are being installed across its four terminals – that's more than all other UK airports - so it is a big task for the international travel hub.

For the time being, Heathrow passengers should continue to prepare for security as normal. Liquids in containers up to 100ml should be put in a one litre clear plastic bag, which should be removed from cabin baggage, alongside electrical items and placed in the tray to be processed through security.

Manchester Airport Holdings (MAG), which runs Manchester Airport, London Stansted Airport, and East Midlands Airport, was also approached for comment on when we can expect the new scanners and rules to come in to play across its three travel hubs.

Online reports suggest all Heathrow and MAG airports will introduce the new 100ml rules in early 2025.

Radchenko warned Brits that you should check before travelling, and not assume the 100ml liquid limit has been scrapped.

He said: "The old rules will still apply to you even if you're travelling to/from London City, Newcastle, and Teesside, which have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule.

"Passengers flying on this route must be careful and aware that old rules will still apply this summer.

"I don't think airlines are prepared for it. Airlines are also to blame for this confusion because they hardly keep their passengers informed with relevant updates."

Topics:  Europe , Hacks , Holiday , London , Travel , UK News , US News , World News

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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• International travel, immigration and repatriation during COVID-19
• Entering England during COVID-19

UK open for travel with all restrictions removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals

Changes to COVID-19 testing measures for travellers arriving in the UK from 4am 11 February.

• From 4am on 11 February all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required.
• Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.
• Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 3 February for outbound travel.
• Travel changes come in ahead of February half term, and follow the success of the booster programme.

All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK will be removed from 4am on 11 February, as the government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector.

The changes announced today (24 January 2022) mean that the UK has one of the most free-flowing borders across Europe in addition to having the most open economy and society.

The simplification of travel rules comes just before half term, providing welcome news for families looking to travel abroad during the school holidays, as well as an extra boost for the tourism industry.

Thanks to the success of the UK ’s vaccine and booster rollout, the government is now able to reduce the number of travel restrictions, ensuring there is a more proportionate system in place for passengers. Before the end of February, eligible fully vaccinated travellers will only need to fill out the passenger locator form ( PLF ), which will be simplified, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details, and people will have an extra day to fill it out before travelling.

The framework set out today is intended to be one that will last. It aims to provide stability for travellers and the travel industry throughout 2022, ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business. Meanwhile, friends and families can make the most of their global connections, while saving around £100 for the average family with the removal of testing.

Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 3 February for outbound travel, making it easier for children and families to travel to countries which require proof of vaccination or prior infection to gain entry, avoid isolation, or access venues or services.

It will also enable families to plan holidays for February half term with greater confidence, as parents can be reassured they will quickly be able to evidence their child’s vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel and meet the requirements of different countries more easily.

For inward travel, all under-18s regardless of their individual vaccination status will continue to be considered as fully vaccinated.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers. We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it. This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.

One of the first western European countries to lift isolation requirements for all arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated, the UK will also scale back travel restrictions for unvaccinated arrivals. From 11 February, individuals who are not fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK , as well as filling out the simplified PLF . They will not need to self-isolate on arrival, and will only need to do so on receipt of a positive result.

We will be further reconnecting with key global markets, and from 4am on 11 February, we will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 further countries and territories at the border, including China and Mexico. This will bring the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide, and the full list of eligible countries and territories can be found on gov.uk .

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:

We have entered a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re taking a balanced approach as we learn to live with the virus. Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, now is the right time to take this additional step towards opening up international travel once again. Extending the NHS COVID Pass to children aged 12-15 in England will also make the outward journey easier for families and I am delighted we have taken this step in time for February half term.

While the red list will continue to remain in place as our first line of defence against future variants of concern arriving from abroad, the government is looking to replace the hotel quarantine policy with other contingency measures including home isolation and further details will be set out on this later in the spring.

Throughout the pandemic, the government has taken a balanced approach to COVID-19 measures, considering the freedoms of individuals together with public health concerns. Omicron is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the UK and around the world and the latest data indicates that vaccinated individuals are less likely to have severe outcomes if they catch Omicron, in comparison with Delta. Taken with the success of the booster programme, now is the right time to take proportionate steps to further remove travel restrictions.

Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK said:

This is a landmark day for passengers, businesses and UK plc. Nearly two years since the initial Covid restrictions were introduced, today’s announcement brings international travel towards near-normality for the fully vaccinated, and at last into line with hospitality and the domestic economy. It will offer further reassurance to those planning to travel, both overseas and into the UK , and demonstrates again that following the success of the vaccine programme, the UK can lead the world in our recovery from the pandemic. With the all-important half-term week approaching, passengers should now get booking, and airlines look forward to using the connectivity they’re proud to facilitate to turbo-charge the economic recovery for all of the UK .

Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:

This important announcement is excellent news for our sector’s recovery. This change will be welcomed by the millions of vaccinated people who are desperate to travel and will now be able to do so – restriction-free – for the first time in more than a year. With Britain reopened for business, we’re looking forward to helping people across the country get back to visiting exciting new places, finding fresh trading opportunities overseas, and travelling to see friends and loved ones again.

UK Chamber of Shipping Chief Executive Sarah Treseder said:

We are delighted to see the government has eased restrictions, bringing travel back towards near normality for fully-vaccinated people. Millions of passengers enjoy travelling by sea each year and although it will take time for confidence to fully return to normal, this landmark decision will help the tourism and travel sector at a vitally important time for the industry.

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Election latest: 'You name it, Labour will tax it': Rishi Sunak goes on the attack as he faces Keir Starmer in first live head-to-head of election campaign

Follow live updates as Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer square off in a live TV debate ahead of the general election on 4 July.

Tuesday 4 June 2024 21:43, UK

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• Two arrests made | Tory candidate 'sorry to hear' about incident
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Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are asked about illegal immigration.

The PM says "immigration is too high" and the "government will have to take bold action".

"We got the numbers down last year by a third and now we have a deterrent ready to go," he says.

"Migrants have been detained and the flights will go in July but only if I am elected."

The Labour leader says "the levels of migration are at record highs".

He says: "The PM says it is too high but who is in charge?"

He goes on to say Mr Sunak has "made a promise and failed to keep it".

The PM replies by saying a deterrent is needed.

"If I am your prime minister the planes will go to Rwanda," he says.

He asks Sir Keir: "What will you do?"

Sir Keir gets applause from the studio audience when he spells out Labour's controversial plan for VAT on private schools.

He's applauded again when he talks about taxing non-doms.

But then Rishi Sunak comes out strongly again when he powerfully accuses Labour of planning to tax state pensions.

As half time approaches, So presenter Julie Etchingham is landing more blows on the PM than Sir Keir, with some tough questions to Mr Sunak on tax.

By Jennifer Scott, political reporter

Labour bods will be heaving a sigh of relief as one of their major policy pledges - charging VAT on private schools - gets a loud round of applause from the audience.

Starmer also gets a good reaction over his promise to close tax loopholes for non-doms, and to increase the windfall tax on oil and gas companies. 

Sunak, on the other hand, pushes hard on protecting pensioners, but doesn't get it over the line for audible praise. 

However, the biggest reaction in the spin room comes from a simple exercise from presenter Julie Etchingham.

She asks the leaders to put their hands up if they would raise income tax, national insurance and VAT after weeks of speculation. 

The two somewhat awkward looking souls keep their arms firmly by their sides.  

"Thank you for that instructive moment," says the woman who is really in charge of tonight's proceedings. 

Host Julie Etchingham moves to a quick-fire round on taxes, and where the two men agree.

They both say they would not raise income tax, not raise national insurance, and other than Labour on private schools, not raise VAT.

So where's the money going to come from to solve the challenges the country faces?

Sir Keir Starmer answers first, saying Labour has been "really clear" that they will raise certain taxes, such as on private schools and ending the non-dom tax status on the rich - which wins the Labour leader applause from the audience.

He also says oil and gas companies "should be paying their fair share" in tax - which wins another round of applause.

Rishi Sunak says his party has already scrapped the non-dom tax regime and applied a windfall tax on oil and gas companies - but Sir Keir says there are "loopholes".

The PM then says Labour's plans would cost households £2,000 each - something the Labour leader says is "absolute nonsense".

He moves to pensioners, saying the Tories would never raise their taxes - something the Labour leader has not matched, which he is challenged to do by the PM.

Rather than address the point, however, Sir Keir says Mr Sunak has spent "the first two weeks of the campaign" unveiling "desperate gimmicks".

Mr Sunak refuses to let the Labour leader finish his answer, accusing him of wanting to implement a "retirement tax".

The leaders are asked if they will have a fully-funded solution in their party's manifestos when it comes to health and social care.

Rishi Sunak says it is "important" to the party and criticises Labour's take on the health service.

Sir Keir Starmer says they have a plan to bring change, but doesn't go into detail.

Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak face questions from viewers on the state of schools and what they'll do for teachers.

The prime minister says "education is the most powerful way that you can transform people's lives", and adds that he's grateful for all the country's teachers.

He hails the "hard work of teachers and reforms of this Conservative government" as he says English schoolchildren are now the best readers "anywhere in the Western world".

Meanwhile, the Labour leader says schools "desperately need more teachers", and adds core topics such as maths are being taught by those who aren't trained in the subject.

Asked to explain why he is raising VAT on private schools to achieve the money Labour has pledged for 6,500 extra teachers, Sir Keir says "every child should have the teacher they need in core subjects".

"It's not a one-year problem, or a two-year-problem... it's for life."

​This is better from Sir Keir Starmer.

But if this debate was a card game, the Labour leader would play his joker on health. It's his strongest suit.

And the Labour leader lands his first blow in a clash on NHS waiting lists when he says: "You're the guy who's supposed to be good at maths."

But then Rishi Sunak fights back strongly by challenging Sir Keir on how he'd solve the junior doctors' strikes.

He's aggressive again and Sir Keir defensive.

Mr Sunak may be a man who fasts at the beginning of the working week, but he's been on the gorilla biscuits today.​

Julie Etchingham asks the party leaders whether they would use private health care as a last resort if they had loved ones on a long waiting list for surgery.

"Yes," Rishi Sunak replies simply.

Sir Keir Starmer says he would not use private health care as his wife works in the NHS. 

"It runs through my DNA", he says.

Sir Keir Starmer is asked next how he would resolve the junior doctors strike.

He says for "months and months and months, the prime minister hasn't resolved them".

He says they need to get into the room to negotiate.

Rishi Sunak says while he's "grateful to everyone in the NHS for working so hard", it's only the junior doctors who have not reached a settlement with the government.

He says he wants to agree a deal with the junior doctors that is "fair and affordable", but criticises the demand for a 35% pay rise, which would require a tax rise that he does not want to implement - which the audience applauds.

Moving back to the Labour leader, he says they would not pay the 35% either as it is not affordable because "the government's already broken the economy".

Mr Sunak interrupts and repeatedly challenges the Labour leader on how he would resolve the strikes: "You want to be prime minister, how would resolve it?"

Sir Keir replies: "I wish he had as much to say when Liz Truss was crashing the economy."

That line gets a laugh from the audience.

On how he'd end the strikes, though, he repeats that he'd sit down and negotiate with the junior doctors.

As the NHS is mentioned, another snigger in the spin room - Rishi Sunak's mum was a pharmacist and dad was a GP, don't you know...

Sir Keir Starmer gets his first laugh of the evening from the audience too, questioning the PM's maths skills when it comes to his claims that waiting lists are coming down. 

But the topic is a serious one and you can see the concentrated looks on the viewers' faces.

There is the first applause for Sunak when he refuses to use taxpayer's money to raise junior doctors pay by their demanded 35%.

But there is another giggle from the audience as Starmer pulls somewhat silly faces after being berated by Sunak over how he would stop the strikes. 

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