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
5
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The FCO advised UK citizens to make use of commercial flights, but they did not...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 specific advice points on Gov.uk for future crises.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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10
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 31
The move to using social media for mass communications was partially successful.
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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