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Flights to evacuate British nationals from Sudan will stop at 6pm UK time on Saturday, the deputy prime minister has said.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Oliver Dowden said over 1,500 people had now been flown out of the country.
But he said there had been a “significant decline in the British nationals coming forward”, so the government would cease the flights.
Asked if that would mean abandoning British nationals who haven’t been able to make it in time, Mr Dowden rejected the claim, saying: “Every single British national that has come forward and their eligible dependents has been put safely onto a plane.
“We are seeing those numbers declining significantly. And just like other countries, as those numbers decline, we have put an end date on this.
“What I would say is that even beyond that, we will maintain consular support in Sudan, particularly at the exit route. So both to the north, to south and particularly Port Sudan itself.”
So what would be his advice for those left behind?
The deputy PM said: “Well, my advice to people is, first of all, we have been very clear that this would be a time limited operation.
“We gave a very clear signal over 24 hours ago that people should expect that as the ceasefire comes to an end, we would be winding down the number of flights.
“We are now saying to those people, you have another 24 hours if you are eligible to make your way to the airport and we will get you on a plane, just as we have done for every other person that has come forward who is eligible, making it the longest and largest evacuation effort of any Western country.”
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