Political opinion with Josh Babarinde MP: Supporting Eastbournians stranded in the Middle East
While few will mourn the death of the Ayatollah in Iran after he was killed by US and Israeli air strikes, Britain cannot be dragged into another endless Middle Eastern offensive, especially if there is no clear international legal basis for it - or exit plan.
My first priority as our MP is to support Eastbourne residents abroad who might be affected.
I therefore put out a call on social media urging any Eastbournians stranded abroad to get in touch with my office and to ensure they were registered with the Foreign Office.
Within minutes of this post going live, I was contacted about Cameron, a 23-year-old Eastbourne lad who had become seriously unwell during a planned stopover in Dubai on Saturday. What should have been a quick layover in his journey home quickly turned into a frightening ordeal.
During Cameron’s stopover, airspace across the region closed as a result of escalating conflict in the Middle East, preventing travel to and from the area. Since then, Cameron has been stranded in a Dubai hospital, receiving the care he urgently needs but at a huge financial cost. His medical bills are currently around £1,000 per day, which he and his family have been required to pay upfront, with insurance only able to reimburse costs once he is discharged.
When I learned of the situation, I spoke directly with Cameron’s family. They were understandably distressed and worried not only about his health, but about the mounting costs and uncertainty surrounding how and when he might be able to return home. I pledged to them that I would do everything in my power to help get Cameron home safe.
Within hours I was in the House of Commons, raising Cameron’s case directly with the Prime Minister.
In his response, the Prime Minister offered his full support and assured me that the Government would do whatever it could to assist Cameron and his family. I will be holding the Government to that commitment.
In the meantime, my team and I will continue working closely with Cameron’s family and the relevant authorities to support his care and to help secure his safe return home as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is currently stranded abroad or in need of urgent assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].