Grant Shapps has warned there are no “cast iron guarantees” for the public to be able to book their holidays but admitted he is “hopeful” that people will be able to travel abroad in the summer.

The Transport Secretary urged caution to Brits planning to book holidays in May with Boris Johnson’s road map listing March 17 as the earliest dates people will be able to travel outside of the country.

Speaking to Times Radio he said: "We know you won't be able to travel until May 17.

“I would say that it makes sense to see how the course of the pandemic unlock proceeds."

He added: "I am hopeful but, as with everything to do with this virus, you can't say for certain.

"There are a lot of issues that we need to work around but I am working with international partners, both governments and organisations, to try to make it happen. We can't provide cast iron guarantees on it."

The warning comes after the tourism minister in Greece said it aims  to reopen its borders by mid-May in a boost for UK holidaymakers.

Tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country hopes to welcome foreign tourists from May 14, depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a virtual appearance at travel trade show ITB Berlin, Mr Theoharis commented: “We are approaching the exit from this dark tunnel thanks to the power of the human spirit and the progress of science.

“Please allow me to emphasise that no image could better portray the return to the normality of tourism than the Greek smile, the Greek landscape, the Greek hospitality.

“Regarding 2021, in Greece we are more than optimistic.

“We are ready, we are ready to share the experience of liberation from the unpleasant memories of the pandemic with each and every one of our guests.”

Visitors will be required to have been vaccinated, had a recent negative Covid-19 test or have coronavirus antibodies, he explained.

A “pilot” reopening of borders is likely to take place early next month, he added.