Flying Home: The FCO’s consular response to the COVID-19 pandemic

[DaveCW]

During the initial outbreak of the C19 Flu, It appears that the Government set up a survey to gain feedback on their response.

 

It a big(ish) read, but I was particularly interested to note that the Government can in fact underspend on budgets. (lol)

 

The Summary and section on Repatriation, Transport and Loans are worth the read if none other.

 

Some of the testimonials:

 

• “There is no feeling, we are just a number”. – UK citizen in India
• “[I lived in] frustration, anger, fear and uncertainty … for days. I didn’t feel that I meant or worth anything [to] my government. No one was even interested to talk to me or us stranded people”. – UK citizen in Peru
• “I feel let down, abandoned and totally uncared for by every single person I’ve spoken to in the last two weeks. I’ve been made to feel like being trapped here is my own fault, despite booking three flights home that all cancelled without refunds”. – UK citizen in Australia

 

The report can be found HERE