Varadkar calls UK travel penalties, including 10 years in prison, 'a bit extreme'

On the Government’s plans here, Mr Varadkar said the legislation will be readied for passage through the Dáil and Seanad next week.

On the Government’s plans here, Mr Varadkar said the legislation will be readied for passage through the Dáil and Seanad next week. Picture: Julien Behal Photography/PA Wire

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said new UK penalties including ten years in prison for falsely filling out a passenger information form are “more authoritarian” than we would find acceptable in Ireland.

He was speaking as Britain is to introduce tighter border controls next week against new variants of the coronavirus, requiring hotel quarantine for arrivals from high-risk countries.