SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland abruptly left an interview on Good Morning Britain earlier today after a heated discussion about the amber travel list.

Hosts Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway grilled the justice secretary about how the rules would affect holidaygoers who had booked trips abroad before the pandemic began, paid hundreds of pounds extra to move them when Covid hit, and are now unsure about if they could still go to their destinations which are on the amber list.

The duo suggested that 270,000 travellers heading off on flights in the next five days faced a difficult dilemma as they did not know if continuing with their holiday would be considered illegal and cannot afford to self-isolate when they return but may not be able to get a refund from the travel companies as travel is technically still allowed to those areas.

Mr Buckland explained that the amber list was useful for people who needed to go abroad as an emergency for work or family-related reasons but this did not entirely address the point the popular current affairs programme's presenters were making.

Watch Good Morning Britain presenters confront Robert Buckland about travel list concerns:

Ranvir Singh said: "You have caused a situation where people are having to choose between losing money or breaking the law, it's outrageous."

Mr Buckland responded: "With respect, I really don't agree with that. Having an amber system is sensible because the rules don't require people to go to a hotel -"

Kate Garraway interjected: "That what's at the heart of people's concerns. They have booked and rebooked holidays they paid for before the pandemic and they are now not having the choice to get their money refunded because it's not illegal to go there.

"They are unsure whether to lose their livelihoods, potentially, when they come back, take risks on transport or lose money.

"Lots of people in this position are not supported at home by their employers.

"What's the point of the amber list?"

Mr Buckland added: "The important point that the amber list offers is... it does allow for necessary journeys if you are working or there's a pressing family commitment that can't be put back.

"It's right to have that rather than a binary system of red or green, there's a middle tier for some essential travel with the requirement to isolate at the end of it."

An abrupt exit

The back-and-forth ended with a damning verdict from Ranvir Singh, who said: "It's a complete neglect of the reality. It's hiding behind policy and words and not truly looking in the face of the reality of what's going to happen in the next five days.

"People at home can decide whether they are satisfied with your answers."

Mr Buckland disagreed with Ms Singh's summary and hit back: "Well, if I could get a word in edgeways, I could have given an answer-"

Ranvir replied: "You have had a full, interview, sir, thank you."

The South Swindon MP stood up and left before cameras stopped rolling, prompting a look of surprise from Kate Garraway, who said: "Oh, he's off! He's off!"

The full interview can be seen below.

The Adver has approached Mr Buckland for comment about the interview.