Press Release: 7th September 2005

Tobias Ellwood believes there are lessons to be learnt from the UK response to helping Britons affected by Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, the requirement to meet the immediate needs of British citizens caught up in large-scale incidents seems to be increasing.

Whether or not governments are able to anticipate or predict the scale of such incidents, they are able to establish a minimum level of preparedness in dealing with the challenges that will inevitably present themselves in the immediate aftermath. Establishing and maintaining clear lines of communication with the UK and with local consulates, assisting with repatriation and body identification are practical ways of looking after British citizens who are caught up in major incidents. Britain must continue to improve its response capability.

In the aftermath of the terrorist bombings in Bali and Madrid, and the Asian Tsunami, the Foreign Office has become better equipped to deal with deluge of inquiries from concerned relatives and friends. But we need to improve the size and scope of the 'Emergency Response Teams' who are sent to the location to help those actually caught up in the event.

In the case of Hurricane Katrina, British naval ships equipped with helicopters, on duty east of Florida, could easily have positioned themselves a few miles off New Orleans within 24 hours after the hurricane had passed once the severity of the event became apparent.

This would have allowed a bridgehead to be established on the main land for Britons, and indeed other nationals to rally to. Advice given to Britons in Louisiana by the Embassy in Washington to go to the New Orleans Consulate, which remains underwater, is unacceptable.

Tobias Ellwood has written to the Prime Minister calling for a statement and debate on the Government's response to Hurricane Katrina when Parliament returns next month.

Ends

Notes:
Tobias Ellwood lost his brother in the Bali bomb and was publicly critical of the level of support provided by the Foreign Office to the British families of the victims affected by the attack. This led to the creation of the Foreign Office 'Emergency Response Teams' and a review of the FCO travel advice placed on their website.

Tobias also participated in the Tsunami relief effort in Phuket, Thailand and was involved a number of humanitarian operations in Bosnia while serving in the Royal Green Jackets.