BORIS JOHNSON’S TRAVEL ADVICE COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN CROSS BORDER VISITORS

South Scotland MSP, Joan McAlpine, is asking visitors from south of the border to respect the continued “stay at home” advice in Scotland. She’s concerned that Boris Johnson’s messaging is confusing and could encourage an influx of visitors to Dumfries and Galloway from south of the border.

The SNP MSP has cited a new poll which shows that an overwhelming majority of Scots back the Scottish Government’s clear ‘stay at home’ message and says she’s already been contacted by constituents who say they’re worried about an influx of tourists from England.

Commenting, Ms McAlpine says,

“Boris Johnson’s messaging is putting the people in Dumfries and Galloway at risk. Our region remains closed to visitors and the last thing we need is a flood of tourists from England who think restrictions on travel for leisure reasons have been lifted here too.

“Constituents from Langholm have been in touch to tell me that residents are concerned about an influx of visitors from England. They want the electronic signs at the border changed to say that Scotland is still on lockdown and not to visit.

“It’s vital that the public are given clear, strong public health messages that are easily understood. This new poll shows that 72% of people in Scotland believe only the “Stay home, Protect the NHS, Save lives” message makes it clear what they are supposed to do. If we don’t follow this advice we could see an increased rate of infection and greater loss of life.

“I’m sure Dumfries and Galloway will welcome holidaymakers and day-trippers with open arms once this pandemic is finally over. But in the meantime the region is closed to visitors – stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

YouGov snap polling 10th May –
docs.cdn.yougov.com/h6nwhcsrrv/GMBResults_200511.pdf <docs.cdn.yougov.com/h6nwhcsrrv/GMBResults_200511.pdf>