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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Diplomatic Service: British Nationals Abroad

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of consular support provided to British nationals during natural disasters overseas.

Answer

In 2024-25, the last full financial year for which data is available, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) answered over 400,000 requests for consular support from British nationals overseas, and provided detailed consular assistance in over 22,000 cases, including giving support to families of more than 6,000 British nationals who had died abroad, and 3,500 who had been hospitalised.

Consular and crisis support is available 24/7 through our contact centre and global network. We keep our Travel Advice under constant review so it reflects our assessment of risks to British nationals overseas, including health, safety and security risks; it was viewed more than 31 million times last year. In 2024-25, 85% of service users were satisfied with the service received. Extensive further information about consular services is published on GOV.UK and in the FCDO's annual report.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10609
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British nationals abroad Diplomatic service Natural disasters
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk