The Housing Secretary has refuted claims that the government has been hesitant to act in regards to Greece by announcing that he will be vacationing on a Greek island next week.
Even though the opposition has urged the Foreign Office to issue a “do not travel” warning due to the ongoing wildfires, Michael Gove has refuted that claim.
He has argued that tourists can travel freely in the nation, and he has even declared his intention to travel to the Greek island of Evia the next week.
He said: ‘I’m due to go on holiday, God willing, to Greece in just over a week’s time, not to Rhodes but to another island and I’m looking forward to going.
‘Greece is a wonderful country, a wonderful place to holiday and we do need to support the Greek government in dealing with the situation in Rhodes.
‘My heart goes out to those who are affected but the advice is clear, if you follow the Foreign Office advice it is safe.’
Currently, the advice for Brit holidaymakers in Greece have been advised to check with their tour operator or airline before travelling.
Liberal Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran believes a ‘do not travel’ warning needs to be issued as soon as possible – particularly for the island of Rhodes, which is among the worst-affected areas.
She said: ‘As wildfires blaze and thousands are evacuated, it is staggering that the Foreign Office travel guidance for Rhodes does not advise against all but essential travel.
‘Thanks to Conservative ministers’ inaction, many families are unable to make a claim against their insurance, leaving them paying the penalty for deciding not to fly out to the island.
‘The government urgently needs to get a grip and help holiday makers who have been impacted by these terrible scenes.’