Lincoln MP working to get Brits home from Middle East
Hamish Falconer says the UK is focused on evacuating nationals and de-escalating tensions - as people in Lincolnshire feel the impact at the pumps
Lincoln’s MP says the Government is “working every day” to bring down tensions in the Middle East - while helping British nationals, including some from Lincolnshire, return home safely.
Hamish Falconer, who is also the a Minister for the Middle East, says his role is currently split between diplomacy and supporting those caught up in the conflict.
“There are very many British nationals, including people from Lincolnshire, who are stuck in the Gulf… we’re trying to make sure… they are able to get home.”
He tells us there has already been a “big flow of people” leaving the region in recent days, both on government-organised flights and commercial routes.
At the same time, he says the UK is in constant talks with international partners, including Gulf countries and the United States, to try to calm the situation.
“The fastest route to bring down energy prices is going to be regional stability, de-escalation of the conflict - and that’s what we’re working on every day.”
Falconer says constituents are increasingly concerned about rising fuel costs, linked in part to disruption around key global energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
“My constituents are worried about the pressures at the pump… the implications of the conflict… the Strait of Hormuz, which is such a key lifeline for energy.”
The Government has announced support for households relying on heating oil, impacting many in Lincolnshire, but Falconer says the wider solution depends on stabilising the region.
He added he remains optimistic a diplomatic solution can be found.
“I am always optimistic… I’m absolutely sure that the UK has an important role to play.”