‘We are desperate’, says Briton trapped in lockdown

A YORKSHIRE man trapped in New Zealand, after it went under total lockdown, is desperately urging the British government to repatriate himself and other Britons or provide financial assistance.

Alec Spowage is one of an estimated 4,000 Britons stuck in the country, which has declared a national emergency and has entered into a month-long lockdown. The Selby man said the situation is “very dire” as many British citizens are now unable to pay for basic necessities.

One of the main issues is that many Britons have been left with no money after paying thousands of pounds for flights which did not go ahead.

They have been told refunds for cancelled flights will take six to eight weeks, Mr Spowage said.

“We’re quickly running out of options and the consulate, embassy and UK government are publicly offering support but the correspondence and real world experience we’re getting is worlds away from this.”

German citizens in New Zealand are being repatriated but there is no guarantee that flights, which go through Doha, will guarantee safe return to Britain.

“We are in desperate need of help, either repatriation or mercy flights, or financial support.”

Mr Spowage said he has been trying to travel since before the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice changed to urge British citizens to travel home.

“We are of course aware and willing to self isolate immediately upon our return to the UK. The situation is very dire and we’re desperate for any help we can get.”

The British High Commission told worried Britons in New Zealand: “We continue to work with airlines and other governments to secure options for you.”