A PLYMOUTH-based frigate has been diverted to Port Sudan to potentially evacuate thousands of British nationals unable to board evacuation flights before a ceasefire was due to end.
The Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster was yesterday heading to the Red Sea dock some 500 miles from Khartoum that could possibly be used in a seaborne operation.
Hundreds of UK nationals have already been evacuated from Sudan, which has been the scene of clashes between warring factions.
But there was concern yesterday that many more would be prevented from leaving on further flights due to a deadline for a ceasefire expiring at midnight last night (local time).
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly yesterday warned the UK “cannot guarantee” how many further flights would depart after the deadline was reached.
The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, told the Defence Select Committee that warships had been put on standby, with HMS Lancaster directed to sail to Port Sudan, and the RFA Cardigan Bay “on call” and “will be making its way at some stage”.
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