Rhodes Wildfires: Repatriation of Holidaymakers

Lord West of Spithead Excerpts

Tuesday 25th July 2023 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

The noble Lord makes a very good point; that puts people in a slightly different situation. As I said, we are advising people in a vulnerable position without back-up to seek consular assistance.

[Lord West of Spithead (Lab)]

My Lords, rescuing people from beaches is in the Royal Navy’s DNA, be they British soldiers or British civilians. For two centuries, the Royal Navy was there when there was a disaster in the Mediterranean. Does the Minister not agree with me that it is rather sad that over the last 10 years or so we have not had a British ship available in the region, should there be some requirement to assist our nationals?

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

I am glad that the noble Lord, Lord West of Spithead, lives up to his reputation. The serious points are, first, that the fires in Rhodes are in an area in the centre of the island, and, secondly, that the situation is stabilising. I note what the noble Lord said.