Middle East British Nationals 2025-06-24
2025-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
British nationals are concerned about their safety and need guidance on how to leave conflict zones safely. Some have been advised to travel via Egypt, but there are reports that such journeys may be unsafe.
British nationals in Israel, including the daughter of my constituents, remain concerned about their safety. The advice has been for British citizens to make their way to Egypt via the border, but there have been some reports that the Israeli Government have suggested those journeys would be unsafe. Can the Minister clarify the travel advice for British citizens in that situation?
Travel advice is the best source of advice for British nationals in Israel. There are options for leaving by land, as my hon. Friend’s constituents are aware. There are now options for leaving by air as well, but, as he and the whole House will understand, the flow of flights out of Israel remains limited. British nationals in Israel will want to make their own judgments about whether they want to wait for a flight or make a land journey, and my officials are available to advise every constituent on the options before them.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific safety advice regarding travel by land, only noting that it is an option but with limited guidance.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Two constituents are in Tehran and face challenges such as fuel shortages, long queues, poor internet access, and closed airspace which make it difficult to leave the country.
Two of my constituents are currently in Tehran, but they say that fuel shortages, long queues and poor internet access, as well as closed airspace, have made it almost impossible for them to leave Iran. They urgently need clear guidance, they need a way to formally register their presence, and they need consular support, which they are struggling to access. Will the Minister urgently meet me to ensure that my constituents get the assistance they need from the Government to come home safely to Eastbourne?
I am, of course, very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman. The whole House knows that we have advised against all travel to Iran for some time, and we have been clear that our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is very limited for those reasons, particularly given the temporary withdrawal of our embassy. We would encourage those in Iran to be in touch with the Foreign Office, and we will provide what advice and support we can.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to providing specific assistance or a formal registration process for British nationals in Tehran, only stating that they would try to provide advice and support.
Response accuracy