Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Third Report: Flying Home: The FCO’s consular response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Foreign Affairs Committee
HC 643
Published 28 July 2020
Government response
Seventh Special Report: Flying Home: The FCO’s consular response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report · published 23 Oct 2020
Recommendations & Conclusions
6
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 18
Whilst a relatively large financial package was developed for those suffering from COVID-19 related financial...
Recommendation
Whilst a relatively large financial package was developed for those suffering from COVID-19 related financial hardship in the UK, little was done to provide help for those UK citizens stuck abroad. The FCO had emergency loans available, but both take …
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Government Response Summary
The government agreed to remove crowdfunding advice, stating that the reference has been removed from all guidance. They also confirmed that the availability of repatriation loans was widely publicized on gov.uk, social media, and through marketing.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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11
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 32
The failure of the FCO to provide clear advice on what would happen on arrival...
Recommendation
The failure of the FCO to provide clear advice on what would happen on arrival to the UK caused many travellers a great deal of unnecessary anxiety. The FCO should give clear advice on the situation on the ground in …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges initial difficulties but states it already provides extensive advice and individualised support through social media, general travel advice pages, and consular staff, which address the concerns of returning travellers.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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13
Conclusion
Accepted
We know that many FCO staff went above and beyond to deliver admirable service in...
Conclusion
We know that many FCO staff went above and beyond to deliver admirable service in extremely difficult circumstances. However, there were areas where efforts fell short. By not adapting quickly to changing circumstances the FCO appeared out of touch with …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged past shortcomings in adapting quickly, committing to implement a 'pre-agreed' process with its telephony supplier by the end of October 2020 for a swifter response in future emergencies, and is investigating cloud-based telephony solutions.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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