British Citizens Abroad: FCO Help to Return Home

Explained the Foreign Office's response to the global pandemic, including working round the clock to assist British travellers who need to return home. Noted that FCO staff are in all 280 posts across 168 countries and 10 overseas territories, engaging with Governments to keep commercial routes open, particularly in transit hubs such as Singapore.

Questioned the effectiveness of current measures, highlighting gaps in support for stranded constituents across various countries. Stressed the urgent need to address practical issues like finding accommodation and arranging flights, especially via international hubs.

The speaker expresses concern over British nationals stranded in various countries, requesting the Foreign Secretary to clarify his previous statement on repatriation. He also questions the Government's commitment to helping all stranded nationals and asks for specific measures such as telephone lines for support, flights availability, accommodation guarantees during quarantine, health assessments, visa extensions, and airline pricing.

The Minister responds by acknowledging the challenges of repatriating hundreds of thousands of British nationals given national restrictions. He highlights progress made in securing flights for repatriation from 26 countries, including Peru and Morocco. He also mentions that they have facilitated commercial routes to return UK nationals via Cuba and Spain. The minister emphasises ongoing negotiations with foreign counterparts to ensure accommodation, travel advice, and safe passage of cruise ship passengers.

Mr Corbyn interjects by saying 'You did say it,' in response to the Minister's previous statement.

The speaker appreciates the progress made on repatriation plans for Peru and urges the Foreign Secretary to impress upon all ambassadors and high commissioners the importance of leading efforts to protect British citizens overseas. He mentions the need for timely, correct information from embassies and consulates.

Agrees with the right hon. Member for Romsey and Southampton North on the challenges faced by constituents stranded abroad due to travel restrictions, expressing concern about citizens in Peru, Australia, and New Zealand, including NHS doctors and those with health issues, urging the FCO to provide clarity and support for returning home or securing accommodation and healthcare abroad.

Acknowledges the anxiety of stranded citizens and confirms that embassies and high commissions are open, despite some restrictions due to local measures. Emphasises working closely with airlines and travel companies to facilitate commercial flights home, providing specific details for Australia and New Zealand, including efforts to secure accommodation.

Asks about the support available for key workers abroad who are unable to return due to travel restrictions, seeking assurance that they will be prioritised in repatriation efforts.

Raises concerns about British nationals stranded in Bali following Emirates flight cancellations and the lack of response from consular services, urging for a commissioning of repatriation flights to bring them home.

Highlights that many embassies are not responding effectively to British citizens in need and urges the Foreign Secretary to ensure full availability of staff to assist stranded individuals without delay.

Raises specific cases of constituents stuck abroad, particularly a couple with health issues stranded in the Dominican Republic after flight cancellations and concerns about entry restrictions into EU countries, urging for better coordination between European Governments and airlines to repatriate citizens.

Expresses gratitude towards FCO staff working tirelessly in the crisis centre, acknowledging their efforts in bringing thousands of Brits back home, highlights the challenges faced by these staff members, including abuse from some British nationals, and asks for assurance that embassies are open and calls to consular lines should be free.

Reassured the House that embassies are being kept open where possible to support British nationals in need. Emphasised reprioritisation of Foreign Office efforts towards consular services and limiting drawdowns only for those who are vulnerable or in safety concerns.

Expressed concern about the current communication flow from the FCO to constituents stuck abroad, particularly highlighting issues faced by a constituent in Cusco, Peru. Suggested using MPs as a way of disseminating information.

Highlighted issues related to British nationals being stranded in Bali, Peru, New Zealand and on the Coral Princess cruise ship. Raised concerns about commercial flights collapsing in New Zealand and the possibility of extending isolation period for those disembarking from the Coral Princess.

Expressed concern regarding constituents who are running out of money while stranded abroad. Inquired about support available and methods to access it, including temporary loans.

Asked the Foreign Secretary to check on what is happening with the Coral Princess cruise ship regarding onward flights and potential isolation requirements in the US.

Noted that some constituents are still being told to contact their airlines or insurers instead of the Foreign Office. Urged for urgent review of communication quality provided by the Department.

Acknowledged work done but expressed concern about a constituent stuck in Bali recovering from cancer with an upcoming hospital appointment at Addenbrooke’s. Urged pressuring airlines for more information on available flights.

Inquired about a group of St Andrews University students trapped in Honduras and the accuracy of information provided to MPs regarding commercial flight availability from Australia and New Zealand.

Thanked the Foreign Secretary, his ministerial team, and PPSs for prompt attention given to cases raised last week. Acknowledged hard work of staff abroad in supporting stranded British nationals.

Asks whether UK nationals can access flights operated by EU countries during the transition period, indicating that more airline capacity is coming from European countries.

Concerned about British citizens on cruise ships in Mediterranean waters and asks if representations will be made to ensure these ships dock safely where UK nationals can disembark easily and board repatriation flights.

Highlights concerns of constituents stranded in various countries and questions whether travel advice invalidates insurance if individuals choose not to return home due to health conditions.

Praises the Foreign Office staff for their efforts and suggests using international forums like G20 for securing more transit routes and repatriation flights.

Raises issues about travel insurance companies providing no help to stranded individuals and condemns exploitative practices of some airlines, such as charging high fees for flights back home.

Thanks the Foreign Office for assistance in bringing his constituents home from various countries and requests continued efforts to secure airline capacity.

Suggests mobilising the aviation industry, including underemployed pilots and planes, to co-operate with other governments for airlift operations in bringing citizens home.

Asks for an estimate of UK citizens currently abroad and queries the use of Royal Air Force resources when necessary to repatriate stranded individuals.

Concerned about UK nationals in countries considering internal travel restrictions and asks for assurance that support will be provided to reach main transport hubs from remote locations.

Expresses concern for constituents mainly in Spain and asks how they will be brought home as soon as possible.

Addressed concerns about UK nationals stranded in Spain and other countries, including Peru and Brazil. Emphasised efforts to negotiate with foreign governments for the return of British citizens through commercial or charter flights.

Expressed concern about a 78-year-old constituent stranded in Brazil with an underlying heart condition and limited medication. Asked for urgent intervention to assist his family in returning home.

Asked the Foreign Secretary to do everything possible to bring back constituents from India and Pakistan who are facing medical issues and difficulties with medication supplies.

Inquired about a constituent stuck in New Zealand, raising concerns over Singapore no longer being an option for transit. Asked how those affected would be assisted to return home.

Asked for assistance in repatriating constituents who are ICU doctors stranded in New Zealand and highlighted the urgency of their situation due to medical expertise needed at home.

Critiqued poor communication from the Foreign Office, mentioning issues with a broken hotline and requested assurance that provided contact information would be operational for constituent cases.

Highlighted 18 constituents stranded overseas needing help returning home, including one who lost her passport and needs emergency travel documents to avoid being unable to board flights.

Brought up the case of a constituent in Peru with an Irish partner facing separation due to FCO's inability to assist the partner. Asked for assistance to bring them back together.

Suggested price caps or requisitioning powers for airlines to lower costs and facilitate repatriation of UK nationals from India facing lockdown and Australia with high airfare increases.