Frustrated holidaymakers and travel industry leaders rounded on the UK government after a last-minute change extended quarantine for residents returning to England from France.

From Monday, the government plans to lift most pandemic curbs on everyday life in England, and fully vaccinated residents will no longer have to quarantine after travel to “amber list” destinations in Europe, according to AFP.

But ministers said the “persistent presence” of the Beta coronavirus variant in France meant the 10-day quarantine requirement would stay in place for one of Britain's favourite destinations.

Maud Lemoine, a hepatology consultant based in London who is visiting France, said the government was sending “a very confused message” by lifting curbs while also extending the France quarantine.