Coronavirus: Foreign Office warns Brits against all non-essential travel around the world

In a Commons statement, Dominic Raab told MPs: "Based on the fast-changing international circumstances today I am announcing changes to FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) travel advice.

"UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries.

"The FCO will always consider the safety and the security of British nationals so with immediate effect I've taken the decision to advise British nationals against non-essential travel globally for an initial period of 30 days and of course subject to ongoing review."

Explaining the advised travel restrictions, Dominic Raab said: "This decision has been taken based on the domestic measures introduced in the UK alongside the changes to border and a range of other restrictions which are now being taken right around the world.

"In some countries, even in countries or particular areas where there haven't yet been any reported cases of Covid-19 local authorities are nonetheless imposing restrictions on movement and again doing so with little or sometimes no notice."

Mr Raab said the Government will issue detailed advice on maintaining the flow of goods to the UK, while protecting staff working on shipping routes.

He added: "We do regard this kind of travel as essential and we will work with industry to issue detailed advice which maintains the flow of goods whilst protecting the wellbeing of staff who are working on those routes.