Readers have reacted to news that a ban on leaving the United Kingdom without a reasonable excuse is included in new coronavirus laws coming into force on March 29.

The law says no one may “leave England to travel to a destination outside the United Kingdom, or travel to, or be present at, an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there to a destination outside the United Kingdom” without a reasonable excuse.

It suggests anyone who breaks such rules could face a £5,000 fine.

Maureen James Barlow said: "Haven’t been able to leave Oz, for over a year without good reason and an approved permit. Not that there’s anywhere I would like to go just now."

Kerry Keeler said: "But you can come to the UK and spread it, but we can't leave - it's a joke."

Rebecca Bell said: "Funny how right through lockdown we had 1500+ a day coming in, but we can't leave."

Tracy Hughes thinks: "Should be total ban on folk coming in as well."

Robert Thompson said: "Should have been done 12 months ago."

Neil Armstrong said: "Needs one on folk entering the country too to be effective."

David Park added: "Stable door - horse bolted, hay everywhere, springs to mind."

Brian Smith agrees: "Too little, too late. And what about all the people still entering the UK, are they going to be banned too ?

"Our borders should have been closed last April."

Carol Caulfield said: "If people want to go then let them, but don’t let them back in."