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Coronavirus: ‘International co-operation needed’ to repatriate stranded travellers

The world’s seven most powerful countries have pledged to help get travellers home despite routes closing across the world.

The foreign ministers made the commitment as part of a collective response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The move came against criticism of the UK government over its efforts to rescue thousands of British travellers left overseas.


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Foreign secretary Dominic Raab called for international co-operation to repatriate people stranded abroad.

He said after the virtual meeting of G7 foreign ministers: “As our citizens try to return home, we need to keep commercial options available.

“And where commercial flights are not running, ensure that special flights, where possible, can take people home.”

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “The government’s promise that a huge repatriation effort is underway will be good news to many UK residents stuck in increasingly difficult situations abroad who have struggled to get any practical advice or help from the foreign office.

“The problem has been growing for weeks so the government must urgently improve its communications regarding travel advice and make sure it leaves no stone unturned to get these people on flights home.”

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