The news coming out of Turkey and Syria is devastating and my condolences and thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. The UK must play its full role in providing assistance.

Here in Haringey, we are home to many people from the region and I know this is an exceptionally difficult time for our residents with families and friends in the affected areas.  The Foreign Secretary has provided this information following concerns raised by MPs about support for British Nationals and their families:

“We are conscious that many of you have members of the Turkish diaspora in your constituencies and will want to ensure they have access to the latest information and assistance. British nationals in Turkey who require consular assistance can call the British Embassy on +90 312 455 3344 where consular officers are available 24 hours per day.  British nationals in Turkey should also follow the information and advice of the local authorities and sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/email-signup.

We are also aware that there are concerns amongst constituents regarding friends and family in Turkey. We have great sympathy with the pain caused by these recent tragedies, however, FCDO is only able to provide consular support to British nationals. Turkish nationals will be supported by the Turkish authorities. We should underline the size of the task facing those authorities: 12 million people (one in seven) in Turkey have been affected by the earthquakes and the focus on the Government of Turkey and international partners remains saving lives.

Within Syria, Consular support is not available from the British government as all services of the British Embassy in Damascus are suspended and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. However, if you or a constituent need to speak to a consular officer regarding any British national in Syria, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.”