Backlash against influencers begins: Reality TV and social media stars are trolled for bragging about trips abroad 'for work' after Priti Patel slammed them for 'showing off in the sun'

  • The Home Secretary slammed reality TV stars for bragging about their holidays 
  • Scores of reality TV stars and millionaires have jetted to Dubai in lockdown 
  • Expat is now unable to go home to see family because of rising infection rates 
  • One government source claims high profile people are exploiting grey areas
  • Says, 'they're getting away with it and what they are claiming as work is notInfluencers boasting of sunshine foreign breaks amid the global pandemic are now facing a furious public backlash after they were slammed by the home secretary nfluencers boasting of sunshine foreign breaks amid the global pandemic are now facing a furious public backlash after they were slammed by the home secretary. 

    As they shared photos from sun loungers, lockdown had appeared not to apply to so-called influencers and models who 'used loop-holes' to jet off the sunnier climes under the guise of work.

    But yesterday they came under fire for setting a bad example. 

    Amid mounting public anger, Priti Patel criticised those who have been holidaying in the sun when they have been told to stay at home. 

    She said going on holiday was 'not an exemption' as she unveiled a strict borders clampdown to slow the spread of the virus, telling the Commons: 'People should simply not be travelling. 

    'We see plenty of influencers showing off where they are – mainly sunny places.'

    As the criticism intensifies, members of the public appear to be taking umbrage with their tone deaf posts from Dubai - now dubbed 'Covid Cosablanca.' 

    Hostile messages on Instagram and Twitter pages are accusing them of recklessly spreading the virus and putting the NHS under increasing strain. 

    Many claim they jetted off for 'unavoidable work trips' - with some even going so far as to suggest that their social media posts should make them 'key workers'. 

    Laura Anderson, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, moaned about how 'hard it was to be an influencer' after she was met with a backlash about her Dubai trip, before claiming she went as a 'coping mechanism' to deal with Covid.Scores of reality TV stars 'used loop holes' to flee to Dubai to lounge in luxury hotels, pose for pictures with cocktails on sun loungers and enjoy beach parties.

    Love Island stars 'lose THOUSANDS of fans' after flaunting their lavish Dubai work trips as fed-up Brits hit back

    Love Island stars who jetted to Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic have reportedly lost thousands of Instagram fans. 

    It is thought fed-up Brits have hit back by unfollowing the stars accounts with Anton Danyluk, 25, and Laura Anderson, 31, dropping a combined 26,000, reports The Sun

    Anton, who is thought to have lost 14,000 followers, shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10 and has since posted glimpses of his impressive hotel views and dips in the pool with his 1m fans.

    While Laura Anderson, who has reportedly dropped a sizeable 12,000 followers, sparked a backlash when she said it was 'really hard' to be an influencer following unimpressed comments on her Dubai snaps.

    Others thought to have taken a hit in the Instagram numbers include Kaz Crossley, 27, who has reportedly lost 7,000 followers since touching down in the city.

    While Gabby Allen is thought to have lost 2,000 and Josh Ritchie 8,000. 

    TOWIE star James Lock, who is in Dubai with his girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou is also said to have seen 1,000 people disappear from his followers. 

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    Expats working in Dubai have accused them of 'taking the f***ing p***' by claiming they are in the city for work, and risking spreading the virus to residents by partying and flouting social distancing.   

    And government sources told MailOnline people have been 'exploiting grey areas', with 'high profile people getting away with it,' adding, 'what they are claiming as work is not.'  

    The Prime Minister yesterday warned that Brits leaving the UK will be quizzed at the border to make sure they are not jetting off for a holiday.

    Addressing MPs yesterday, Boris Johnson warned: 'I want to make clear that under the stay home regulations, it is illegal to leave home to travel abroad for leisure purposes.

    'We will enforce this at ports and airports by asking people why they are leaving and instructing them to return home if they do not have a valid reason to travel.'

    Molly-Mae Hague, Maura Higgins, Amber Davies, Anton Danyluk, Georgia Harrison and Kady McDermott were among those to jet off before the third national lockdown.    

    Sophia Peschisolido, 23, daughter of Tory peer Karren Brady, has also shared pictures of herself in Dubai. 

    One influencer in Dubai sparked fury this week by claiming to be an essential worker. 

    Sheridan Mordew, 24, who has been there since the start of January, told This Morning on ITV it was an 'essential work trip' to provide sunny content for fans and 'motivate them'.

    Dubai had been an ideal choice for many as visitors at the time weren't required to quarantine upon their return to the UK.

    Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' with the government asking UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

    Expats in Dubai have told MailOnline they are furious about the number of celebrity influencers coming to the city 'for work'. 

    One expat told MailOnline: 'They're taking the f***ing p***'.

    Laura Anderson claims flying to Dubai was 'a coping mechanism' 

    By Laura Fox for MailOnline 

    Laura Anderson has insisted that flying to Dubai was 'a coping mechanism' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Love Island star, 31, said she 'felt guilty the whole time' she was away after claiming she'd flown to the UAE for a 'business trip' following backlash towards influencers bending travel restrictions to fly abroad. 

    During an Instagram Q and A, after being asked whether she felt guilty about being in Dubai, she said: 'I felt guilty the whole time. I don't think anyone realised how bad the strain would get, and how quickly. So hearing people upset, I felt horrific.' 

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    Lauren Morgan, who moved to the city with her husband in January 2020, said: 'All the 'influencers' coming out to Dubai for 'work' has made me so angry, using loop holes to holiday and potentially spreading the virus.' 

    Ministers are understood to have been increasingly concerned about social media 'infuencers' and other celebrities turning up in exotic destinations while the rest of the country is in lockdown.

    One government source told MailOnline people appeared to have been exploiting grey areas about what counts as 'essential' work trips.

    'It is quite clear there are some high profile people getting away with it and what they are claiming as work is not,' they said. 

    Ms Morgan moved to the UAE with her husband in January 2020, returning to the UK once to see her family. 

    She added: 'I have booked a flight back to the UK at the end of April. 

    'With these new rules possibly coming into place, I have to choose between not going home to see my parents who are in their late 70s or going back for the three weeks and spending 10 days of those and potentially a small fortune to quarantine. 

    'All I want to do is go home to visit my family.

    'Moving here in January 2020, this was not the deal I made with my husband, I was supposed to be able to travel home to visit family as much as I wanted to. 

    'People holidaying/partying is just delaying that for a lot of people from happening and it's infuriating.

    'Rules are not always being followed by people from the UK (and I'm sure many others) who have not had to follow the same strict rules as we have in Dubai since March 2020 and is now a way of life to wear a mask and keep your distance and minimise socialising/large group gathering.'  

    Social media users have compared the 'work' done by influencers, models and reality TV stars to that done by NHS staff

    Social media users have compared the 'work' done by influencers, models and reality TV stars to that done by NHS staff 

    Laura Anderson is facing criticism after sharing updates from her isolation

    Laura Anderson is facing criticism after sharing updates from her isolation 

    What pandemic? Love Island couple Lucie Donlan and Luke Mabbott jetted off to the Maldives for a month before Christmas

    What pandemic? Love Island couple Lucie Donlan and Luke Mabbott jetted off to the Maldives for a month before Christmas 

    The Home Secretary slammed reality TV stars for bragging about their holidays and people 'turning up with their skis at St Pancras Station', adding, 'Going on holiday is not an exemption.'

    The Home Secretary slammed reality TV stars for bragging about their holidays and people 'turning up with their skis at St Pancras Station', adding, 'Going on holiday is not an exemption.'

    Tough day at work: Chloe Ferry, who travelled out to Dubai at the end of last year - before lockdown measures were introduced, originally claimed she had hoped to stay for 'two months'

    Tough day at work: Chloe Ferry, who travelled out to Dubai at the end of last year - before lockdown measures were introduced, originally claimed she had hoped to stay for 'two months'

    Yazmin Oukhellou, who appears on TOWIE, told fans she and her boyfriend were '[In Dubai] for work purposes, for business'. She added: 'Obviously we'll make the most of it while we're here as well.'
    Laura Anderson, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, was met with a furious backlash recently when she moaned about how hard it was to be an 'influencer'

    Hard graft: Yazmin Oukhellou told fans she was, '[In Dubai] for work purposes, for business', but added: 'Obviously we'll make the most of it while we're here as well.' Right, Laura Anderson was met with a furious backlash when she moaned about how hard it was to be an 'influencer'

    Anton Danyluk (pictured left) shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10. He is since thought to have lost 14,000 followers on Instagra. And when approached by the Guardian about his so-called work trip, a publicist for Anton - who has been in Dubai since 10 December - asked if the Love Island star would receive a fee in return for a comment.

    Anton Danyluk (pictured left) shared that he was heading to Dubai on December 10. He is since thought to have lost 14,000 followers on Instagra. And when approached by the Guardian about his so-called work trip, a publicist for Anton - who has been in Dubai since 10 December - asked if the Love Island star would receive a fee in return for a comment.

    James Lock (pictured) and Yazmin Oukhellou have been out in Dubai with James regularly posing with a laptop

    James Lock (pictured) and Yazmin Oukhellou have been out in Dubai with James regularly posing with a laptop

    Kady McDermott, pictured in Dubai, is another reality star to have made the trip before the lockdown
    A collection of reality stars travelled to United Arab Emirates over the festive season. Pictured: Maura Higgins in the city before the third lockdown

    Reality stars who fled to Dubai before England's third lockdown began look set to be returning to 10-day compulsory quarantine stay at hotels near Britain's airports. Kady McDermott (left) and Maura Higgins (right) were among the stars to travel to the UAE before lockdown began 

    Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' with the government asking UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Pictured: Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei in Dubai

    Many stars have insisted their trips are for 'work' with the government asking UK residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Pictured: Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei in Dubai

    Who has gone where? The hard working 'influencers' on 'essential businesses'  

    Scores of reality TV stars have been sharing photos from their sunny 'work' breaks, including;   

    Kimberley Garner (she was in Barbados and is now in Miami)

    Lottie Moss (in Mexico)

    Love Island stars; Amber Davies

    Joe Garratt 

    Anton Danyluk

    Georgia Harrison (claiming she lives in Dubai now) 

    Kaz Crossley

    Elle Brown 

    Amber Gill

    Montana Brown (in Barbados)  

    Kady McDermott – who jetted to the Maldives before going to Dubai

    Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei 

    Georgia Steel (was in Dubai and is now in The Maldives) 

    The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) stars; 

    James Lock and Yazmin Oukhellou  

    Ella Rae Wise 

    Chloe Sims (Mexico) 

    Some have since returned to the UK, including;

    Danny Williams, Michael Griffiths 

    Sophia Peschisolido, 23, daughter of Tory peer Karren Brady

    Francesca Allen

    Kady McDermott – jetted to the Maldives before going to Dubai

    Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews (they flew to St Barts. late last year)

    Sophie Piper (it was reported she'd jetted to the Maldives apparently breaking the rules)

    Sam Faiers (she flew to The Maldives for her 30th earlier this month)

    Wes Nelson

    Ferne McCann

    Chloe Ferry

    Laura Anderson, recently returned to Glasgow

    Malin Andersson

    Amber Turner

    Tiffany and Lucy Watson (were in Barbados)

    Molly Mae and Tommy Fury visited early December and then squeezed in a trip to the Maldives before returning to the UK

    Maura Higgins and Christopher Taylor, now back in the UK

    Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy, who celebrated Christmas there

    Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who enjoyed a family winter vacation there in mid-December, before lockdown rules came into force

    Lucie Donlan and Luke Mabbott jetted off to the Maldives for a month 

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    Love Island's Laura Anderson was forced to delete some of the comments on her bikini snaps after receiving backlash for sharing her exploits in Dubai.

    Insisting her job was 'hard' to do, she moaned: 'This whole thing about everyone hating influencers, I'm just like f**k.. this is what I do for a job at the minute. I don't want to feel c**p.'

    Yesterday, she revealed she had ordered a Covid test after suffering with a blocked nose upon returning to Glasgow where she is self isolating.  

    And when approached by the Guardian about his so-called work trip, a publicist for Anton Danyluk - who has been in Dubai since 10 December - asked if the Love Island star would receive a fee in return for a comment. 

    Earlier this week, it was revealed private flights into a Dubai airport soared by 78% at the end of last year compared to 2019, as travellers, including Love Island stars, rushed to escape lockdown and spend Christmas there.

    MailOnline has been inundated with emails from people in Spain, the USA, Canada, Pakistan and South America worried that they may be caught up in the new quarantine scheme and admitting they may rush home to avoid it. 

    The Home Secretary heralded a huge squeeze on 'non-essential' journeys as she revealed that even during lockdown individuals have been flouting the rules - including by turning up at borders carrying skis.

    In a statement to MPs, she said they now face being turned away, swiping: 'Going on holiday is not a valid reason to travel.'

    Ms Patel also declared that Britons returning from around 30 'red list' Covid countries will be forced to quarantine in hotels for 10 days at their own expense.

    MailOnline understands that hundreds of arrivals each day are expected to be escorted directly from airports to rooms, where they will have to stay for the duration of their isolation and pay a bill estimated at £1,500 - although ministers hope the numbers will 'fall through the floor' as people avoid coming to the UK.

    It will only affect British travellers, as foreign citizens who have been in the countries are already banned from entering altogether.

    Ms Patel herself is believed to have been pushing for a much tougher regime alongside Matt Hancock and Michael Gove, but was overruled after resistance from Rishi Sunak, Dominic Raab and Grant Shapps, and warnings it would 'kill' the aviation industry.

    The government is facing the prospect of a revolt from UK nations, with Nicola Sturgeon threatening to impose her own more brutal curbs in Scotland, and Wales saying they do not go far enough.

    Labour said ministers were 'behind the curve' in protecting the country's borders.

    But making the case for the government in a Commons statement, Ms Patel said: 'It is clear that there are still too many people coming in and out of our country each day.

    'And today I am announcing further action to strengthen the health measures we already have at the border, but to reduce passenger flow so that only a small number of people for whom it is absolutely essential to travel are doing so and therefore reducing the risk to our world-leading vaccine programme.'

    Under the push to clamp down on travel, airlines are expected to be fined if they fail to enforce non-exemptions properly after influencers were accused of 'taking the p***' by jetting out to Dubai, claiming their Instagram updates constituted work.

    'Even at St Pancras people have been turning up with their skis,' Ms Patel said.

    'We see plenty of influencers on social media showing off about which parts of the world they are in...

    'Going on holiday is not a valid reason to travel.'

    The limited Australian-style quarantine scheme follows concerns about new Covid variants entering Britain - but ignores a plea from Ms Patel and Health Secretary Matt Hancock to apply the diktat to all arrivals. 

    Working hard: James Lock and his girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou posed for a recent snap while lapping up the sunshine in Dubai

    Working hard: James Lock and his girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou posed for a recent snap while lapping up the sunshine in Dubai

    Which influencers have defended trips abroad? 

    Kady McDermott

    Former Love Island contestant has hit back at a number of followers who criticised her decision to continue posting sun-soaked snaps from the Maldives

    Former Love Island contestant has hit back at a number of followers who criticised her decision to continue posting sun-soaked snaps from the Maldives

    Former Love Island contestant has hit back at a number of followers who criticised her decision to continue posting sun-soaked snaps from the Maldives, while Britain is in lockdown

    On one of pictures, showing her stepping out of a crystal blue sea, a follower remarked: 'Breaking the rules again - don't see this as a business trip!'

    But Kady hit back: 'Oh so because you don't see it as a business trip it means it isn't? Oh ok lol.'

    Replying to another follower on a different picture, she said: 'This is how I pay my bills!'  

    Gabby Allen

    Former Love Island contestant Gabby Allen moved out to Dubai on December 7

    Former Love Island contestant Gabby Allen moved out to Dubai on December 7

    Former Love Island contestant Gabby Allen moved out to Dubai on December 7.

    She too faced criticism but, unlike many other influencers, she quickly set out her argument for the move - saying that her boyfriend, Brandon Myers, had a business.

    In a post on Instagram, she said: 'Hey guys, just to let you know, we made the decision to fly out to Dubai as my boyfriend's business is based here & luckily allows us to travel,' she wrote.

    'We were both fit to travel with negative PCR tests [for COVID-19]. I wanted to come on here and acknowledge this to my followers as it was a difficult decision for me.

    'I really hope you can understand that it was an opportunity I had to take.'

    Amber Gill

    Perhaps one of the more bizarre defences came from former Love Island star Amber Gill

    Perhaps one of the more bizarre defences came from former Love Island star Amber Gill

    Perhaps one of the more bizarre defences came from former Love Island star Amber Gill.

    The former reality show winner jetted off to Dubai in December following news that London and much of the south East would be affected by the new rules.

    But she said she 'no idea' what she was doing and claimed she was confused by the Tier 4 rules.  

    In a staggering Instagram post, she wrote: 'Just want to put it out there that I had no idea Tier 4 was a thing.

    'The flight here was booked way before. I thought the only changes were being made on the 16th meaning I was still allowed to travel for work.'

    Laura Anderson

    Laura Anderson has insisted that flying to Dubai was 'a coping mechanism' during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Laura Anderson has insisted that flying to Dubai was 'a coping mechanism' during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Laura Anderson has insisted that flying to Dubai was 'a coping mechanism' during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Love Island star, 31, said she 'felt guilty the whole time' she was away after claiming she'd flown to the UAE for a 'business trip' following backlash towards influencers bending travel restrictions to fly abroad. 

    During an Instagram Q and A, after being asked whether she felt guilty about being in Dubai, she said: 'I felt guilty the whole time. I don't think anyone realised how bad the strain would get, and how quickly. So hearing people upset, I felt horrific.' 

    Holly Hagan

    Geordie Shore's Holly Hagan - who has remained in the UK - weighed in on the widely-discussed issue of reality stars jetting to Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic

    Geordie Shore's Holly Hagan - who has remained in the UK - weighed in on the widely-discussed issue of reality stars jetting to Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic

    Geordie Shore's Holly Hagan - who has remained in the UK - weighed in on the widely-discussed issue of reality stars jetting to Dubai amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    During an Instagram Q&A on Tuesday evening, the TV personality, 28, was quizzed over her thoughts on the vast amount of celebrities, including her MTV co-stars and Love Islanders, heading to Dubai amid restrictions and rules.

    She was quick to defend her peers and pals, and while she admitted it is 'frustrating' for social media users to see their lavish antics, she personally would prefer 'people to be happy in Dubai than suffering at home'.

    Holly remained at home during the pandemic, while many of her pals - including Chloe Ferry and Sophie Kasaei - upped and left to Dubai.

    Sheridan Mordew

    The fitness influencer sparked a backlash earlier this week when she defended her decision to leave the UK for Dubai on This Morning.

    The 24-year-old, from Sunderland, who has a following of around 11,000 on Instagram, arrived in Dubai on January 2, just a few days before the third national lockdown.

    Since then, the social media star, who runs 'Shape Up With Sher,' has been sharing glamorous, sunshine-filled content with her Instagram followers as she enjoys relaxed restrictions in the United Arab Emirates. 

    The 24-year-old, from Sunderland, who has a following of around 11,000 on Instagram, arrived in Dubai on January 2, just a few days before the third national lockdown

    The 24-year-old, from Sunderland, who has a following of around 11,000 on Instagram, arrived in Dubai on January 2, just a few days before the third national lockdown

    But as she tried to justify her travels to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning, the influencer failed to win over viewers.

    They called her 'selfish' and 'disgraceful' for trying to imply her work - sharing sun-soaked selfies and outdoor fitness classes - was essential.

    'The reason I came to Dubai was purely for business,' Sheridan started during a video call with the This Morning duo.

    A cynical Phil told Sheridan: 'A lot of the fitness stuff, this could be in your garage in Bolton, you don't have to be in Dubai to do that.'

    The influencer claimed she had travelled to the United Arab Emirates because she was struggling with her mental health, adding that 'clients depend on me to bring them happiness'.

    She said her thought process was: 'The only way I'm gonna get out of this is to find an opportunity to get out of here on a plane to Dubai.

    She said the travel was 'the opportunity to get good content,' and stressed she has no children and no ties

    'I'm not going to get content at home watching Netflix,' she said. 'It is all about the whole aspect of content, getting clients, all that kind of stuff.'

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    Love Island star returns from UK..and is banned from driving after being caught at 101mph 

    By Ryan Smith for MailOnline 

    Love Island star Ellie Brown has been slapped with a six-month driving ban and fined £1,660, after she was clocked speeding at 101mph.

    The TV personality, 22, was caught breaking the 70mph speed limit as she drove a Mercedes-Benx GLC on Cudworth, Warwickshire section of the M42 on June 5, 2019.

    And as she addressed the bench in Coventry Magistrates Court on Monday, Ellie pleaded that a ban from the road would cause 'exceptional hardship', as her work as an influencer requires her to transport herself all over country.

    However, her plea was ultimately rejected, and she received six points on her license, bring her total to 12 and resulting in an automatic six-month ban.

    Speeding: The TV personality, 22, was caught breaking the 70mph speed limit as she drove a Mercedes-Benx GLC on Cudworth, Warwickshire section of the M42 on June 5, 2019

    Speeding: The TV personality, 22, was caught breaking the 70mph speed limit as she drove a Mercedes-Benx GLC on Cudworth, Warwickshire section of the M42 on June 5, 2019 

    Ellie, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, had already plead guilty at an earlier hearing, and the case was adjourned to allow her time to present her case for a potential loss of income, as she works self-employed through an agency.

    It was revealed Ellie earns £2,000 a week after tax, and that a driving ban would not result in others losing their jobs, led to the decision to give her the points.

    Addressing the bench, she said, according to Metro: ‘I have been self-employed for the past two-and-a-half years. I was on a TV show and when I came out I moved to Manchester to do modelling and different kinds of media.

    'I do a lot of travelling to shoots and it could be anywhere from London, Scotland, Leeds or all over the UK. My fashion brand’s factory is in Leicester and I have to go there carrying a lot of stock.'

    Ellie, who moved from Newcastle to Cheshire after her appearance on Love Island, added: 'I’ve learned my lesson and I haven’t had any other offences. I’ve held my hands up and I’m really sorry.'

    Chairman of the bench Neil Gallagher, enquired if her ban would impact jobs at the factory in Leicester, to which she replied: 'The employer, I couldn’t work with him because I can’t travel to Leicester.’

    But after deliberation, the chairman told her: ‘Exceptional circumstances is a very high hurdle and I’m afraid in the circumstances we find it does not apply in your case.'

    He added: 'You’re on a good income at the moment. You have done well but I’m afraid we can’t avoid the ban and you will have to make other arrangements to travel around the country.'

    At the time she was clocked speeding, Ellie said that she had been severely delayed during a five-and-a-half-hour drive south from Manchester.

    As well as receiving six points, Ellie was fined £1,660, ordered to pay court costs of £110 and a victim surcharge of £167.

     

    TOWIE hotspot restaurant in Essex is stripped of its licence after hosting party for 170 people in November that was raided by police and breaking Covid rules at least 13 times

    A 'Covid factory' restaurant has been stripped of its licence after hosting parties of up to 170 people during lockdown.

    Melin restaurant and nightclub in Chigwell, Essex, is popular with reality stars from the TV series The Only Way Is Essex.

    But the venue has had its licence revoked after breaching lockdown restrictions on at least 13 occasions between May and November.  

    At one party, broken up by police in November, 170 people were partying while the windows were blacked out and fire escapes were blocked.

    Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger pictured with venue co owner, Mikey Melin

    Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger pictured with venue co owner, Mikey Melin

    Melin restaurant and nightclub in Chigwell, Essex, has now had its licence revoked

    Melin restaurant and nightclub in Chigwell, Essex, has now had its licence revoked 

    Owner Ali Melin is currently in Dubai where he is opening another restaurant - and urged his followers to 'get your flights tomorrow' to visit his new restaurant in the UAE

    Owner Ali Melin is currently in Dubai where he is opening another restaurant - and urged his followers to 'get your flights tomorrow' to visit his new restaurant in the UAE

    Lauren Goodger enjoyed a night out at Melin in March and Bobby Norris and Saffron Lempriere were spotted having a heated argument outside the venue in August. 

    Owner Ali Melin is currently in Dubai where he is opening another restaurant and regularly poses with models and influencers on his Instagram account.

    On Wednesday, despite travel overseas currently being banned, he posted a story urging his followers to 'get your flights tomorrow' to visit his new restaurant in the UAE.

    Licencing committee councillor Paul Canal slammed the restaurant for 'operating a Covid-19 factory' during the pandemic.

    He said: 'I wish to call [Melin] a nightclub because that's how they were operating. I believe a premises of this size with over 100 people inside is a Covid-19 factory.

    'The way in which Melin has been run demonstrates that the owner is not in a position to act responsibly, and is unlikely to change.'

    Mr Melin refused to hand over CCTV footage to officers after it took them ten minutes to barge through the doors to break up a party of more than 100 people on November 3.

    Councillor Namreen Chaudhry said: 'We find that Mr Ali has no intention to operate the premises in a lawful manner.

    'His failure to comply with the existing licensing conditions or pay any heed to previous regulatory intervention leaves us with no option but to revoke the licence.'

    In September, it emerged Ali Melin sent his staff a voice message warning he would 'take them to the basement' if they were caught taking tips.

    TOWIE star James Argent, left, has also been pictured enjoying nights out at the club

    TOWIE star James Argent, left, has also been pictured enjoying nights out at the club 

    Licencing committee councillor Paul Canal slammed the restaurant (pictured) for 'operating a Covid-19 factory' during the pandemic

    Licencing committee councillor Paul Canal slammed the restaurant (pictured) for 'operating a Covid-19 factory' during the pandemic

    On Wednesday, despite travel overseas currently being banned, Melin posted a story urging his followers to 'get your flights tomorrow' to visit his new restaurant in the UAE

    On Wednesday, despite travel overseas currently being banned, Melin posted a story urging his followers to 'get your flights tomorrow' to visit his new restaurant in the UAE

    According to the Sun, he told workers, 'you take money from me, I'll take something from you'. 

    He warned he had more than 50 CCTV cameras watching the restaurant, adding: 'You are not paid any tips whatsoever. Nobody has the right to put tips in their pocket whatsoever.

    'I can hear everything and I can see everything. If I see again, yes again, that someone has put money in their pocket from a customer I will either 1.) report it to the police or 2.) take them into the basement.'

     

    What IS a 'valid reason' to leave the UK, what forms do I need to fill in and what is happening with quarantine hotels? Vital Q&A on latest foreign travel rules 

    By James Gant for MailOnline 

    Lockdown-weary Britons are dreaming of being on an exotic beach or taking a city break on the Continent to escape the daily grim Covid news in the UK.

    But taking a trip away in the next few months is going to be tricky, with travellers needing to have a 'valid reason' to leave their homes.

    Only today Home Secretary Priti Patel warned those trying to leave country on fake work jaunts they will be turned back at airports.

    Meanwhile Boris Johnson said legitimate travellers returning from 'red list' countries will be sent to quarantine hotels for 10 days.

    The limited Australian-style quarantine scheme follows concerns about new Covid variants entering Britain.

    Confusingly, Boris Johnson told the House of Commons earlier 22 countries will be on the quarantine list.

    But the current 'red list' of countries from where only British nationals can come to the UK is much wider than that.

    Here, MailOnline answers some of the key questions on the latest foreign travel rules that would-be passengers need to know:

    A man is pictured pushing his luggage at Heathrow airport in west London on Wednesday

    A man is pictured pushing his luggage at Heathrow airport in west London on Wednesday

Members of the public have hit out at reality TV stars for taking trips abroad, despite their insistence it was 'for work'

Members of the public have hit out at reality TV stars for taking trips abroad, despite their insistence it was 'for work' 

So-called 'influencers' have been mocked for their trips and their own suggestions that they should be considered essential workers

So-called 'influencers' have been mocked for their trips and their own suggestions that they should be considered essential workers

While celebrities are boasting about their sunshine trips, fans appear to be less than impressed
While celebrities are boasting about their sunshine trips, fans appear to be less than impressed

While celebrities are boasting about their sunshine trips, fans appear to be less than impressed 

Love Island star Georgia Steel was in Dubai but has recently been posting snaps beside crystal blue waters in The Maldives
Molly Mae Hague posted snaps in the Maldvies, but is now back in the UK

Love Island star Georgia Steel (pictured left) was in Dubai but has recently been posting snaps beside crystal blue waters in The Maldives. Pictured right: Molly Mae Hague posted snaps in the Maldvies, but is now back in the UK

Laura Anderson, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, has faced a backlash in the wake of her trip to Dubai

Laura Anderson, who appeared on Love Island in 2018, has faced a backlash in the wake of her trip to Dubai For what reason can I travel to another country?

You can only travel internationally when you have a legally permitted reason to leave home.

Work trips are allowed, so you will have to show some proof that your flight or sea crossing is vital for your employment. However, there are a range of other reasons for 'essential travel'.

These are the same at the reasons for leaving your house: medical care, to escape harm, compassionate visits - for example a funeral - and weddings.

The list of travel exemptions will be urgently reviewed so that only the most important and exceptional reasons are included.

People are also advised to consider the public health advice in the country they are visiting before they go.

Anyone who does not have a valid reason for travel will be directed to return home and may face a fine as their reason for travel will be checked.

The Home Office said there will be an increased police presence at ports and airports fining those in breach of the stay at home regulations.

Priti Patel said: 'Going on holiday is not a valid reason, so we will introduce a new requirement so that people wishing to travel must first make a declaration as to why they need to travel.

'This reason for travel will be checked by carriers prior to departure.' Travel operators are also expected to face fines if they fail to inspect these forms.

How can the Government stop Britons from going on holiday?

Lockdown rules already ban people from international travel unless it is for work. Leaving home is only permitted for a small number of reasons. 

Under the lockdown laws introduced at the start of January and which will run until March 31, people in England are allowed only to leave the house for a very slim range of activities.

But the rules, which are largely the same as for the second lockdown in November, also ban foreign leisure travel, just as they prohibit domestic leisure travel.

These are the daily average of cases per million people in the countries on the UK quarantine list

These are the daily average of cases per million people in the countries on the UK quarantine list

Who is going to enforce these rules?

It is not clear whether airlines and other travel operators will have the unilateral ability to decide whether someone has given a genuine reason for a trip on their forms, or it will end up being referred to police.

There will also be an increased police presence at ports and airports, fining those in breach of the stay at home regulations.

Why is this being highlighted now?

The Home Secretary lashed out at social media influencers who have been posting images of themselves in sunny parts of the world like Dubai during the lockdown.

Many have claimed they were travelling for work, but have attracted a backlash from people stuck at home after also enjoying the nightlife and beaches. 

Ms Patel also singled out people 'turning up with their skis' at London's St Pancras station to catch the Eurostar to European resorts, adding: 'That is clearly not acceptable.'

What does the hotel quarantine mean for arrivals in the UK?

Priti Patel said Britons returning from around 30 'red list' Covid countries will be forced to quarantine in hotels for 10 days at their own expense.

Hundreds of arrivals each day are expected to be escorted directly from airports to rooms.

They will have to stay there for the duration of their isolation and pay a bill estimated at £1,500.

It will only affect British travellers, as foreign citizens who have been in the countries are already banned from entering altogether. It has not kicked in yet.What are the 30 places that require a ten-day quarantine in a hotel after?

  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Eswatini
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores)
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

What will happen on arrival at the hotel?

Travellers who face enforced quarantine will be taken by bus to a hotel where they will have to remain for ten days.

Officials have begun talks with hotel groups about block-booking rooms that can be used for isolating.

In Australia, people are required to stay in their room the entire time with security guards patrolling the corridors. Hotel staff are forbidden from cleaning the rooms during a person's stay.

Can you upgrade your hotel?

Travellers will not get a choice of hotel, meaning it does not matter if you paid for a more expensive trip away.

In Australia, people do not know in advance where they will be staying and are warned there is no guarantee of access to a balcony or open window.

What are you supposed to do all day?

In Australia, exercise outside is not allowed so guests are encouraged to do stretches or yoga in their room. 

A guide given to travellers to help prepare for hotel isolation suggests planning different activities to break up the day.

Examples given include getting in contact with different friends and family, learning a foreign language on a mobile phone app, trying out a new hobby such as knitting and calligraphy, and catching up on 'life admin'.

The advice recommends planning 'rewards' to look forward to such as a phone call with a loved one or the delivery of a treat.

People sharing rooms with partners and family members are encouraged to set ground rules for the stays such as scheduling a time each day when everyone does a 'quiet' activity to help avoid disagreements.

Last summer an outbreak of coronavirus in Melbourne was blamed on security guards having sex with guests at one of the quarantine hotels.

Mr Johnson is expected to sign off on plans this evening to divert travellers entering the UK from high-risk Covid countries into hotels to stop new mutant strains of coronavirus like the ones from Brazil and South Africa entering the UK.

Mr Johnson is expected to sign off on plans this evening to divert travellers entering the UK from high-risk Covid countries into hotels to stop new mutant strains of coronavirus like the ones from Brazil and South Africa entering the UK.

Who pays the hotel bill?

The Government will arrange transport for travellers to their accommodation, but they will have to cover the cost of their hotel room, estimated to be about £1,500.

The cost of 14 days in a quarantine hotel is £1,692 for an adult in Australia, £1,630 in New Zealand and £642 in Thailand.

What if I am a Brit abroad now?

UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. But you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning.

What should foreign nationals in the UK do to get home?

Foreign nationals are subject to the 'Stay at Home' regulations. You should not travel abroad unless it is permitted. This means you must not go on holiday.

If you are visiting the UK, you may return home. You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination.

What do I need on return to the UK?

Passengers arriving in the UK need to provide evidence of a negative pre-departure Covid test from up to 72 hours before travelling.

People arriving from abroad also have to self-isolate on arrival and they have to complete a passenger locator form, with fines for those who do not.

What is a passenger locator form?

Earlier this month the government announced passengers had to complete online passenger locator forms to tell officials where they are staying after arriving in the UK.

It has to have the person's address on it where they will isolate for ten days or five days if they take another test which comes back negative. 

Coming back to the UK without a locator form will result in a £1,000 fine.

What do I need for a passenger locator form?

You will need: your passport details, Your travel details, including times and dates, the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable), a booking reference number and the name of the test provider, if you're using Test to Release to find out if you can end self-isolation early.

You can include multiple journeys in your form if you'll enter the UK more than once in a 48-hour period.

Where can I get one?

Passenger locator forms are available to download from gov.uk here.

What happens then?

After you complete the form you will receive a QR code via email. You can print this out or show it on your phone as proof of completion.

What if you are travelling with other people?

Each adult must complete their own form. You can include someone under 18 years old who is travelling with you on your form, if you are staying together at the same UK address. If you're entering Scotland, they must be under 16.

When do you not need to fill one out?

If you are travelling from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and were there for more than ten days.

Passenger locator forms are available to download from the UK government website

Passenger locator forms are available to download from the UK government websiteDo any jobs qualify for travel exemptions?

Yes, if you do one of the following you may qualify for an exemption from one or more of the travel restrictions.

  • Aerospace engineers
  • Aircraft pilots and crew
  • BBC broadcasting transmission network and services
  • Border security duties – UK officials and contractors
  • Border security duties - non-UK officials and contractors
  • Bus and coach drivers
  • Channel Tunnel system workers
  • Civil aviation inspectors
  • Clinical trials or studies
  • Crown servants or government contractors
  • Data infrastructure maintenance
  • Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors
  • Diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences
  • Downstream oil facility workers
  • Drivers of goods vehicles
  • Electronic communications networks
  • Elite sportsmen – international
  • Elite sportsmen – domestic
  • Medical examinations for elite sportsmen
  • Environment Agency relating to flood and coastal erosion risk management
  • Eurostar International workers
  • Eurotunnel workers
  • Government contractors – the conduct of negotiations
  • High-speed rail workers 
  • International prison escorts
  • IT and telecoms workers
  • Medical evacuation
  • Medical treatment
  • Urgent medical treatment
  • Medicines – human and veterinary
  • Network Rail workers
  • Nuclear personnel
  • Nuclear emergency responder
  • Offshore oil and gas workers
  • OPCW and IAEA inspectors
  • Postal workers
  • Quality assurance inspectors for human and veterinary medicines
  • Registered health or care professionals
  • Regular work abroad
  • Regular work in the UK, living abroad
  • Representatives of a foreign country or territory or British overseas territories
  • Seamen and masters and inspectors and surveyors of ships
  • Seasonal agricultural workers
  • Seasonal poultry workers
  • Specialist technical workers - sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure
  • Specialist technical workers - goods and services
  • Specialist technical workers – waste 
  • Specialist technical workers – power infrastructure
  • Specialist technical workers – space infrastructure
  • Transiting airside through the UK
  • Transporting human cells or blood
  • Water supplies and sewerage services workers

For more information visit gov.uk

What about the so-called vaccine passports?

At least eight companies have been awarded government grants to develop vaccination passport schemes, it was reported earlier this week.

The projects, worth a total of £450,000, could allow users to securely carry digital proof that they have received an approved Covid-19 vaccine.

It is hoped such a scheme would help get people back to work and also allow for the reopening of international travel.

The government on Sunday denied such a scheme was being considered, and cabinet minister Michael Gove said they were 'not the plan'.

But ministers have contradicted each other on the issue, including Boris Johnson's vaccine tsar Nadhim Zahawi who said they were 'looking at the technology'.

The scheme is being considered by many countries, including Cyprus and the Seychelles, who hope their use would open up society for people who have received a jab.

EU officials have demanded vaccines made in the UK be exported to Europe to help plug shortfalls in its own jabs roll-out, which is among the slowest in the world

EU officials have demanded vaccines made in the UK be exported to Europe to help plug shortfalls in its own jabs roll-out, which is among the slowest in the world

Should I book a holiday abroad this spring?

There are two factors to consider. The first is whether concern over new strains of coronavirus will lift enough to allow quarantine-free travel - and if you can afford to come back to ten days in isolation.

The second is where can you go. It is not clear what destinations will be open to Britons, where the virus is still a major problem. 

What about in the summer?

Ministers have warned in recent days that it is 'too early' to speculate around future holiday plans.

But Health Secretary Matt Hancock has previously said: 'I think we're going to have a great British summer.' Whether he meant a great summer at home in the UK or abroad is unclear.

A deserted Levante beach in Benidorm today as the Government urged Britons not to book summer holidays in yet another blow for struggling airlines and holiday companies

A deserted Levante beach in Benidorm today as the Government urged Britons not to book summer holidays in yet another blow for struggling airlines and holiday companies

What about ski season?

Most resorts have already cancelled the ski season in February, with Inghams, Ski Total, Esprit Ski and Flexiski among those to halt bookings until after the 27th.

Some are open with the hope government rules will change after the school half term.

How about a staycation in Britain this summer?

It is hoped restrictions will have given way enough by July for people to stay somewhere in the UK.

A surge in bookings for resorts, hotels and self-catered accommodation is anticipated.

Center Parcs, Haven and Butlins have all hiked their prices for Easter as they plan to reopen in March despite concerns that the national lockdown will still be in placeAre lorry drivers bringing trade facing the same measures?

Hauliers are exempt from quarantine to keep trade flowing across the border.

What do airlines say?

Airline bosses have demanded that the Government provides an 'urgent road map for the reopening of air travel'.

What do public health experts say?

Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said quarantine hotels are 'absolutely essential' and suggested the lack of quarantine measures earlier in the pandemic had been 'a major factor' in contributing to the current situation.

When will this all end?

The government says the list of travel exemptions will be urgently reviewed so only the most important and exceptional reasons are included.

The law under which the holiday ban falls lasts until March 31, unless it is renewed. It is reviewed every two weeks..



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