Government urges British nationals in Lebanon to ‘leave now’

The PA news agency understands the UK Government has successfully asked airlines to increase capacity on routes out of Lebanon.

Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs (Hassan Ammar/AP) (AP)

British nationals in Lebanon have been urged to leave the country immediately amid escalating violence between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah.

In a statement on Friday evening, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said “British nationals in Lebanon should leave now”, adding: “You should take the next available flight.

“We are working to increase capacity and secure seats for British nationals to leave.”

The FCDO said British nationals in the country should register their presence on the department’s website in order to stay up to date with the latest information.

It comes after Defence Secretary John Healey said on Friday airstrikes and rocket fire exchanged between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah present a “risk that this escalates into something that is much wider and much more serious”.

He faced questions about a possible ground invasion after Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops on Wednesday that ongoing air strikes were “to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah”.

Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Healey said his “first concern remains the safety of British nationals in Lebanon”.

He added: “The travel advice remains the same – don’t go to Lebanon. If you are in Lebanon, then get out and there are still commercial flights leaving so people can do that.

“But I left Labour conference earlier this week to chair a Cobra committee in Government because we are making the preparations you’d expect of Government ahead of any potential developments in the future.”

The PA news agency understands the UK Government has successfully asked airlines to increase capacity on routes out of Lebanon, with Foreign Office teams in Beirut to support British consulate services.

It is thought they are ready to facilitate evacuations by sea or air, which could be triggered if the security environment degrades further and British nationals are no longer able to leave the Middle East through other routes.

Around 5,000 British citizens are in Lebanon, and the United Nations said more than 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced in recent days.

Asked about the rumoured ground invasion, Mr Healey replied: “We’re watching this really carefully. That will be a matter for the Israelis.

“At the moment, it’s airstrikes. At the moment, there are missiles from the Lebanese Hezbollah directed at Israel. This conflict serves no one.”