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Adams outlined that over 1.3 million British travellers have returned home via commercial routes since the outbreak, with more than 19,000 brought back on charter flights organised by the Foreign Office from 20 different countries. The FCO has also provided financial protection measures for stranded travellers and worked to secure PPE through international partnerships.
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Acknowledged the work done by Lisa Nandy and provided updates on repatriation efforts. Noted that more than 1.3 million people have returned to the UK, prioritising vulnerable individuals in countries with limited healthcare services. Emphasised working closely with commercial sectors initially before focusing on charter flights. Assured ongoing cooperation and communication with the opposition.
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Asked about improvements to the communications system used by the Foreign Office to assist British nationals abroad, highlighting both positive and negative experiences reported in a committee survey. Suggested that better communication is crucial for stranded individuals seeking assurance from the Government.
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Defended the FCO's work in repatriation efforts, noting that over 1.3 million people have been brought home on scheduled flights and charter flights will help bring more individuals back from regions like New Zealand. Reiterated the statement that no political decision was taken on participation in EU procurement schemes.
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Asked for clarification regarding two conflicting statements made by Sir Simon McDonald regarding UK's involvement in the joint EU procurement scheme, seeking assurance that Britain will not miss out on future opportunities.
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Inquired about FCO’s role in sourcing PPE supplies for frontline workers and its impact on decisions related to loosening lockdown measures. Highlighted the importance of pre-existing supply lines.
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Brought up cases of British nationals trapped abroad, including a couple in New Zealand struggling with high repatriation flight costs and difficulty obtaining refunds from travel companies. Questioned the delay in charter flights compared to other countries.
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Expressed gratitude for FCO’s efforts in repatriating his constituents but raised concerns about an elderly constituent who is yet to be brought back from South Africa. Urged immediate action.
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Raised a case of British citizens trapped in Gaza, seeking support for their return during Ramadan. Questioned the FCO's response to this issue.
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Expressed gratitude for the work done by the Department and asked about progress made in offering consular support to British nationals, particularly those in Peru.
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Asked about easing of travel advice from Foreign Office as companies struggle with planning due to indefinite restrictions. Inquired about involvement in discussions with EU partners regarding summer holidays.
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Responded to concerns about discussions with the travel sector, highlighted the Foreign Office's focus on repatriating British nationals and acknowledged the need for further talks as summer holidays approach.
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Welcomed the Minister’s comments about Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Asked about the Foreign Office's involvement in Exercise Cygnus and subsequent exercises to test repatriation capabilities.
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Responded by stating that the Government regularly tests pandemic plans, including lessons learned from Exercise Cygnus which continues to inform responses.
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Expressed concern about constituents stranded in Punjab, India and asked when repatriation efforts will be completed.
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Reported that over 10,000 British nationals have been repatriated from India via 38 flights so far and another 14 are planned. Prioritised vulnerable individuals in the process.
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Asked for Government assistance in getting constituents back from Pakistan and expressed worry about potential virus spread from incoming flights.
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Noted that over 2,000 people have been repatriated from Pakistan with nine more flights planned. Ensured adherence to Public Health England guidelines and assured no symptomatic individuals would board flights.
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Questioned the clarity of the EU procurement schemes situation and asked if any Minister was briefed about them.
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Reiterated that a political decision on participation in EU procurement schemes has not been taken, and decisions will be based on UK public health requirements.
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Expressed appreciation for the Foreign Office's efforts but suggested that a retrospective analysis of the repatriation process should be conducted to learn from it and improve future cooperation with commercial flights.
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Acknowledged lessons learned from previous operations like Thomas Cook's, emphasised the unprecedented scale of current repatriation efforts, highlighted close collaboration with airlines through memorandums of understanding and considered future analysis.
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Congratulated the Prime Minister on his child's birth and inquired about constituents stranded abroad, specifically those needing to return for work or who have indefinite leave to remain.
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Stated that British nationals are prioritised initially but families should not be separated. Offered assistance in resolving individual cases like those mentioned by the hon. Gentleman.
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Expressed gratitude for efforts made and asked about the continuation of repatriation flights from Pakistan until commercial flights resume.
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Confirmed that new phases of repatriation are being launched, including working closely with the Government of Pakistan to continue flights alongside charter operations.