5
Recommendation
Third Report: Flying Home: The FCO’s co…
Accepted in Part
The FCO advised UK citizens to make use of commercial flights, but they did not do enough to help people access those flights. The Government needs to offer support that factors in the reality that for many, just because commercial flights are running, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those flights …
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The FCO advised UK citizens to make use of commercial flights, but they did not do enough to help people access those flights. The Government needs to offer support that factors in the reality that for many, just because commercial flights are running, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those flights are accessible. The FCO should do more to provide advice to those staying in remote areas, and to provide options to enable those people to travel to the airport. The Government needs to offer support that factors in the reality that for many, just because commercial flights are running, it doesn’t necessarily mean that those flights are accessible. The FCO should do more to provide advice to those staying in remote areas, and to provide options to enable those people to travel to the airport. In future periods of crisis, the FCO should ensure that Gov. uk’s travel advice pages include advice on: safe local transport routes, local lockdown rules and airport accommodation. The FCO should also set out a plan to make this advice available and easily accessible for those without internet access. (Paragraph 14) 16 Flying Home: The FCO’s consular response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Government response AI summary
The government defends its approach to commercial flights and highlights its provision of emergency loans to cover flight tickets, food, and accommodation. However, it does not specifically address the recommendations to provide more advice for remote areas, options for airport travel, or the inclusion of …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Conclusion
Third Report: Flying Home: The FCO’s co…
Accepted in Part
The move to using social media for mass communications was partially successful. However, accessing online information was particularly difficult for elderly people and those with certain disabilities. The FCO placed too much reliance on this generic advice and this approach disadvantaged those with medical conditions and those stuck in remote …
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The move to using social media for mass communications was partially successful. However, accessing online information was particularly difficult for elderly people and those with certain disabilities. The FCO placed too much reliance on this generic advice and this approach disadvantaged those with medical conditions and those stuck in remote areas, as they were unable to access advice tailored to their current circumstances. Many people were not treated with the empathy and compassion that they should rightly expect. It’s disappointing that the FCO fell so short of expectations in this area. Whilst we welcome the shift to communicating general messages via social media, this should not be at the expense of offering bespoke communication and advice, often this kind of information is vital.
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Government response AI summary
The government explained they discontinued the LOCATE system and described the three main mechanisms used during COVID-19 to record British nationals' locations. They are exploring ways for British nationals to request more granular information and updates, including via text for those without internet access.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office