Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Altitude Sickness: Travel Advice

21 March 2023 · 1 other contributor · 3,820 words

Opened by Rob Roberts Ind Delyn

Responding minister: David Rutley

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rob Roberts raised concerns about altitude sickness: travel advice in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concern over inadequate FCDO travel advice on altitude sickness in Peru
  • MP mentions case of sister-in-law who died from pulmonary oedema after holiday
  • MP asks government to review and strengthen FCDO travel advice warnings for altitude sickness

Key requests to Government

The MP asks for the Government to review travel advice on FCDO websites and strengthen the wording to alert people about the potential fatal consequences of untreated altitude sickness. He requests that this warning be prominently displayed without requiring users to click additional links.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rob Roberts Ind Delyn

The MP is concerned about the inadequate travel advice provided by the FCDO regarding altitude sickness in countries like Peru. He mentions that his sister-in-law died from pulmonary oedema after a holiday, highlighting the seriousness of the condition. The symptoms include headache, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, with high-altitude pulmonary oedema presenting as fluid in the lungs leading to severe complications. The MP also refers to another case involving Eddie Butler, a rugby player who passed away due to altitude sickness during a fundraising trip.

Other contributors (1)
  • Laurence Robertson Con Glenrothes

    Called Rob Roberts to move the motion and announced that there will be no winding-up speech as per convention for 30-minute debates.

Government Response

David Rutley

It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Robertson. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Delyn on securing this debate on altitude sickness travel advice and extend sincere condolences to him and his family for the loss of his sister-in-law Lorraine. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) travel advice aims to help UK nationals make better-informed decisions about international travel by providing information on entry requirements and risks such as safety and security matters or natural disasters. FCDO includes health information that draws on specialist medical expertise, directing British people towards reliable sources of expert information and advice from NaTHNaC's TravelHealthPro website. The minister acknowledges the need for more specific information about altitude sickness in travel advice and has taken a step forward by updating the Peru travel advice to better highlight the risk of altitude sickness. Officials responsible for travel advice are reviewing other countries where altitude sickness is a risk, ensuring clarity about the risks presented. The Government aims to improve the presentation and format of their travel advice pages, making it easier for the public to find information needed when travelling.

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