The father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his decision to fly to Greece even though at that time the government advice was for UK nationals to avoid all but essential international travel.

Greek government officials confirmed on Thursday that Stanley Johnson had arrived, likely via Bulgaria, in the northern region of Pelion, where he has a holiday home. Johnson told reporters he was on a business trip.

“I don't know what the reaction of the British public [has been], I came here to have a quiet time to organise the house,” he said in comments to local reporters carried by Sky News, referring to measures to make the property Covid-19 secure for lettings.