The Home Secretary has been urged to assist a mother who was separated from her Scottish family as she was prevented from boarding an evacuation flight out of Lebanon. Nadia Ayoub McCulloch, a 51-year-old Lebanese national, was not allowed on a plane back to the UK from Beirut last week amid escalating conflict with Israel. Her children, Thomas, 19, and Rebecca, 16, who hold dual citizenship, managed to leave on a flight and are currently with family in Lanarkshire. Nadia’s husband, William, 62, a humanitarian worker in Iraq, is endeavouring to reach Lebanon to aid his wife in leaving the country.
SNP’s Pete Wishart, representing Perth and Kinross-shire, has written to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, urging swift action to reunite Nadia with her children. Wishart labelled it “unacceptable that families are separated in desperate situations like this.” He emphasized the urgency of granting Nadia’s visa application to ensure her safe travel to the UK and reunification with her family.
Wishart was approached by William’s sister to assist the family’s predicament. He highlighted the increasing danger faced by Nadia and the distress of her loved ones. Conflict in the region has escalated significantly, with Israel engaging in airstrikes and ground incursions. The UK Prime Minister advised citizens to depart Lebanon and arrange chartered flights due to disrupted commercial flight operations, leaving many stranded.
Around 700 troops and UK government staff have been stationed in Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation is required. The Foreign Office stated that they do not customarily comment on individual cases. A UK Government representative clarified that non-British nationals, including spouses of British citizens, must have a valid visa for extended stays in the UK to board evacuation flights. However, individuals without UK citizenship require visas beforehand.
The situation has garnered attention as families face separation and uncertainty amid escalating hostilities. The plea for urgent action to reunite Nadia with her children underscores the dire circumstances faced in conflict zones. The need for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian aid in such situations is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of affected individuals.