Stephen has written to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, outlining his concern about the number of East Ham residents who are stranded in Pakistan.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of British nationals remain in Pakistan, unable to travel. The FCO had previously chartered flights for citizens in countries where borders were closed. As Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was still able to fly from the country, efforts were instead directed towards commercial options.
Speaking about the letter, Stephen said: “ I am in touch with a number of East Ham residents who are stuck in Pakistan, with no immediate prospect of a return flight. I am deeply troubled that many of those stranded are struggling to get their essential medicines. They are very worried about this and these individuals are understandably very anxious to get home,
“It is becoming clear that the Foreign Office is is not adopting examples of best practice that we have seen from other embassies around the world. “