Good Morning Britain’s Jonathan Swain was on hand to deliver urgent breaking news at the top of today’s programme.
As the broadcast began, presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls immediately turned to Jonathan, stationed at the Foreign Office, where he described the situation in Beirut as a ‘brutal night’.
With a “Breaking News” graphic flashing across the screen, Jonathan reported: “It has been a brutal night in Beirut of intense fighting and air strikes. It is thought as many as five thousand British nationals are still in the country but the options for them getting out are now diminishing day by day.”
He continued, detailing the impact on travel: “Many commercial flights have had to be grounded or cancelled because of what’s happening in the air and the intense fighting so the British government have now chartered their own flights.”
Jonathan further informed viewers: “Tomorrow they will fly from Beirut to Birmingham, we understand. There’s limited space, of course, for British nationals and, of course, their dependents, and their families. They are being charged £350 per seat.”
He then elaborated on the UK government’s efforts to assist those trapped in Lebanon, stating: “Last week, their rapid reaction force of 700 troops, they’re currently being based in an RAF base in standby. They are there should they be needed to operate a Dunkirk-style evacuation. But British troops in that reason with all that intense fighting comes with its risks.”
The UK government revealed plans to prioritise the evacuation of Britons, alongside their partners and kids, the government revealed, reports the Express.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly. The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority. That’s why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.”
The specially arranged flight is scheduled for takeoff from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday. Officials will reach out to those who have already registered their details with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to outline the process for securing a seat. Anyone yet to register has been urged to do so as soon as possible.
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.