Fury as peer jets back from red list Colombia – and doesn't quarantine

Fury as peer jets back from red list Colombia – and doesn’t quarantine: Zac Goldsmith travelled to South America to discuss the Cop26 climate summit before using ministerial exemption to avoid mandatory isolation

• Zac Goldsmith flew to red list country last week but did not quarantine on return
• The peer visited Colombia to discuss the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow
• Was able to attend House of Lords this week after using a ministerial exemption

Environment minister Zac Goldsmith flew to a red list country last week – but did not quarantine on his return.

The peer visited Colombia to discuss the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow and other environmental issues. 

But he was able to attend the House of Lords this week after using a ministerial exemption to avoid having to isolate.

Zac Goldsmith flew to Colombia, a red list country, last week to discuss the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow and other environmental issues

Anyone travelling from the South American country to the UK is normally required to pay £2,000 to quarantine in a hotel for ten days. 

The move will cause fury after Cop26 president Alok Sharma was criticised for flying to at least 30 countries and not isolating afterwards.

Lord Goldsmith’s visit took place between October 5 and 9. 

On October 7, he was pictured in the capital Bogota, where he met Colombian president Ivan Duque.

The peer was able to attend the House of Lords this week after using a ministerial exemption to avoid having to isolate

Lord Goldsmith did not consistently wear a mask throughout his trip, suggesting he did not harbour concerns about the red list country and its Mu variant of Covid-19.

Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said last night the peer’s behaviour was ‘reckless’, adding: ‘The idea that he is not taking extra precautions is a real slap in the face.’

A Whitehall source said: ‘Government ministers are exempt from quarantine when they return from e

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