Plans to help repatriate stranded Britons

The Government has announced plans to help repatriate British travelers stranded by the volcanic ash cloud in the atmosphere.

Two Royal Navy ships, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Ocean, have been deployed to the Channel to help with the relief effort.

HMS Albion is sailing to northern Spain to pick up soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Rifles who are returning from serving in Afghanistan.

We will also be working with the Spanish authorities to use their airports, which are currently outside the volcanic ash zone, as a hub to repatriate British travelers.

The Prime Minister has been discussing options with the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Zapatero, and head of the European Commission, President Barroso, and later today EU Transport Ministers will be holding a video conference.

The PM said the Government's ‘paramount concern' was the safety of air passengers.

"Today we are looking at the results of test flights that have been up in the air yesterday and today and looking also at the manufacturers' recommendations, but that will be dealt with by the European Council meeting of Transport Ministers that will be held by video link later this afternoon and further decisions about when flights can go and whether flights can not go will have to be made as a result of the conclusions of these meetings."

The Government also said that it was working with travel operators to ensure that ferries, and Eurostar are at a higher capacity to maximize the number of people they can bring home.

The Foreign Office will ensure that consular staff are available to help and assist. This includes  visiting airports, working with the local authorities to resolve visa problems and advising British nationals who have run out of funds.

They have launched a special advice line for callers in the UK who were concerned about the well-being of relatives stranded overseas. The number is 020 7008 0000.