Rhodes Wildfires: Repatriation of Holidaymakers

Baroness Foster of Oxton Excerpts

Tuesday 25th July 2023 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

The situation is kept continually under review. At the moment there are no plans for repatriation; it is up to the tour operators to bring back our holidaymakers. This is also a wake-up call as far as climate change is concerned. It is essential that the world recognises that, which is why the Integrated Review Refresh reaffirms that tackling climate change remains the Government’s top thematic priority and why the Government spent £1.4 billion in international climate finance over the course of 2021-22.

[Baroness Foster of Oxton (Con)]

My Lords, I spent many decades in the aviation and travel industry, and we ought to think carefully about this, notwithstanding that these sorts of episodes have taken place for many years. We should also give credit to the airlines and tour operators, because it is difficult for those on the ground to try to assess the situation; until now, they have done an extremely good job. It is extremely terrifying for tourists who are there, but proper support from the Foreign Office and correct information, which should be updated at all times, should help in these situations. I urge my noble friend to ensure that the Foreign Office, the travel authorities and the travel operators are working closely together to ensure that, for those whose holidays may be cancelled, they will change their holidays for them—that is normal practice—and that everyone is kept up to date.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, I bow to my noble friend’s greater knowledge of the travel industry. She is quite right: it is very important that there is continual work with the travel industry on these issues. I can confirm that there have been discussions at senior levels with the travel industry on this issue.