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Middle East: British Nationals Abroad

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 10 July 2025UIN 64784

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure the safe return of British nationals from countries impacted by airspace closures in the Middle East.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

Support to British nationals remains our top priority and we have worked at pace to ensure those who wanted to leave left safely. Consular teams have worked round the clock to support British nationals in the region. As soon as Israeli airspace re-opened UK government charter flights left Israel carrying more than 380 people on six flights. In allocating seats, we prioritised those who were most vulnerable, including those with medical needs, children, and the elderly. Commercial flights are now available.

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