#stayhomesavelives

People are urged to stay home this Easter Weekend.

Drew Hendry MP (pictured) has welcomed the news that Airbnb will no longer accept bookings in the UK during the coronavirus crisis – following a campaign from the SNP and local communities.

The SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey said the U-turn would help protect the health of local communities, called on other holiday home companies to follow suit, and urged people to stay at home during the lockdown to save lives.

The move was announced in a letter to SNP MPs this morning, with AirBnB recognising “We have heard from policymakers, and local residents who are worried about incoming visitors and the impact on the health of your communities… From 9am today, it will not be possible to book a stay in the United Kingdom.”

Commenting, Drew Hendry MP said:

“I welcome Airbnb’s decision to ban holiday home bookings in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey during the coronavirus lockdown – and to refund those that have already been made.

“While this should have been the case from the start, I’m pleased that the company has listened to my colleagues and my concerns to do the right thing.

“I would urge other holiday home companies to do the same, and remind folk to stay at home this Easter weekend, and throughout the lockdown period, in order to prevent any further spread of the coronavirus, and to save lives – which is the most important thing right now.

“Myself and my SNP colleagues will continue to press for comprehensive financial support to help people and businesses through this crisis, and we will press for the right action to ensure a strong recovery too – but right now it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the advice and acts responsibly.”