Britain Charters Flights for Britons to Leave Japan

The British government is chartering flights from Tokyo to Hong Kong to supplement the commercially available options to help British nationals wishing to leave, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced on Thursday.

He made the remarks when updating Parliament on the government' s response to the situation in Japan. Speaking in Parliament, Hague said: "The situation in Japan is of great concern. The devastation suffered in this crisis is truly appalling and we're doing all we can to support the Japanese people during this traumatic time."

"Due to the evolving situation at that nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, we are advising that British nationals currently in Tokyo and to the North of Tokyo should consider leaving the area," Hague said.

"We do have severe concerns over a number of British nationals that we have so far been unable to locate. Our consular teams in London and Japan are working round the clock to locate and assist British nationals. We're following up all the leads from the help line we have set up," the foreign secretary said.

The Foreign Ministry advised against all non essential travel to Tokyo and North Eastern Japan, given the damage caused by the earthquake and resulting aftershocks and tsunami.

"Our assistance includes help with transport out of the immediate danger zone and from Sendai to Tokyo, financial support for people who need essentials such as food, accommodation and clothing and telephone calls home," Hague added.

Hague told parliament that British residents in Tokyo and other parts of the country not directly affected by the tsunami are concerned, particularly by the situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility.

He said "We advise British nationals to follow all relevant advice from the Japanese authorities and, as an additional precautionary measure, not to go within eighty kilometers of the site and to stay indoors if they are within and not able to leave that area."