Boris Johnson discusses travel curbs with Angela Merkel on final UK visit

Image source, Stefan Rousseau/PA Media

Image caption, The talks are taking place at Chequers, the prime minister's country residence

PM Boris Johnson is discussing Covid travel restrictions with Angela Merkel in her final official visit to the UK as German chancellor.

Mrs Merkel, who is due to step down later this year, has previously called for all UK travellers to Europe to face quarantine.

Trade and post-Brexit relations are also on the agenda.

The chancellor arrived at Chequers, the prime minister's Buckinghamshire residence, earlier for the talks.

She will also meet the Queen at Windsor Castle and address a meeting of the UK cabinet - the first foreign leader to do so since President Clinton in 1997, although on this occasion the meeting will be a virtual one.

Last week Mrs Merkel, who has been in power since 2005, said she wanted other countries to follow Germany's lead by introducing tougher restrictions for UK travellers because of concerns about the Delta variant.

Since May, travellers from the UK have been banned from entering Germany, . Those who are allowed to arrive from the UK must quarantine for 14 days.

Mr Johnson is expected to announce the latest steps towards ending lockdown in England in the next few days, with international travel high on the agenda.

In contrast to Mrs Merkel, he said on Thursday that double vaccinations could be a "liberator" as millions of people plan their summer breaks.

The pair will dine on an three-course meal featuring British produce including an English asparagus tart and Oxfordshire beef fillet during a working lunch.

Ahead of the chancellor's visit, Mr Johnson said: "The UK and Germany have a steadfast friendship and a shared outlook on many issues."

He is expected to announce the creation of an annual 拢10,000 award for a UK or Germany-based female scientist who has excelled in the field of astrophysics.

Image source, EPA

Image caption, The two leaders greeted with an elbow bump

"Our scientists, innovators and industrialists work together every day to make the world a better place," Mr Johnson said.

"Over the 16 years of Chancellor Merkel's tenure the UK-Germany relationship has been re-energised and reinvigorated for a new era.

"And the new joint ventures we will agree will leave a legacy that will last for generations."

The visit will be Mrs Merkel's 22nd to the UK since taking office and is one of a series of farewell trips, with US President Joe Biden among those expected to host her later in the summer.

She and Mr Johnson last met at the G7 summit in Cornwall in June.