Cabinet minister Michael Gove says he is occurring vacation to a Greek island which is experiencing wildfires - as he insisted the area is "safe".
The housing secretary instructed Sky News he was heading to Evia - a big island simply off the coast of Athens - in "just over a week".
It has seen fires in southern elements of the island, which is round 100 miles lengthy. The Greek islands of Corfu and Rhodes have additionally been gripped by flames in current days, sparking mass evacuations.
Adults 'fight' to be evacuated in Rhodes - wildfires latest
Evacuations have taken place on Evia in current days because of the state of affairs there.
Mr Gove stated it was "safe" to go to Rhodes, and the truth that "particular" elements of the island wanted to be evacuated was "unfortunate".
He added that it was "absolutely right" that folks had been nonetheless in a position to go on vacation to Greece.
Mr Gove stated: "It's a tragedy that these fires have ruined what should be... the happiest, the most enjoyable time of the year for many.
"But it's also the case that I believe that the criticism directed at particular person companies is not essentially merited."
The minister was staunch in his assist for the journey corporations, regardless of some folks complaining that they had been being flown to the wildfire zones up till final Saturday, or being left unable to get in contact with anyone as they attempt to return to the UK.
He additionally performed down how widespread the blazes are.
Read extra:Holiday booked to Greece? Your rights amid firesTUI cancels flights to wildfire-hit RhodesBritish tourist escapes 'scene from Dante's Inferno'
Mr Gove stated: "I think it's the case that obviously the fires on Rhodes have been tragic, and my heart goes out to those affected.
"But it's also the case, I believe, because the Greek minister for tourism was stating yesterday, that the fires - whereas horrific - have been restricted to 1 a part of the island.
"So, again, appropriate advice has been followed, it's been put forward by the Foreign Office here that it is safe to go to Rhodes - but obviously evacuation in a particular part of the island has been important."
Praising the journey companies, Mr Gove stated that "individual travel firms have actually shown a great degree of responsibility in making sure that they are available to take people back in some circumstances" - including that they may "make their own commercial decisions in line with government advices".
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Alex Norris, Labour's shadow levelling up minister, stated he too would go on vacation to Rhodes if Foreign Office recommendation stated it was secure.
There have been requires the federal government to vary its recommendation, as at present folks can't make claims for disruption as a result of fires on their insurance coverage.
More British holidaymakers are as a result of return to the UK from fire-ravaged Rhodes on Tuesday as repatriation flights proceed.
Hundreds of individuals have already landed at UK airports after elements of the favored Greek island went up in flames, forcing many to sleep in colleges, airports and sports activities centres.
Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell estimated on Monday morning there have been as many as 10,000 Britons on the island however the Foreign Office later stated it might not be offering updates on the variety of folks repatriated.
Travel firm TUI has cancelled all flights to Rhodes as much as Friday, whereas Jet2 and fellow tour operator Correndon have additionally scrapped flights leaving for the island within the subsequent few days.
Thomas Cook cancelled some upcoming holidays and is providing different prospects full refunds ought to they want to cancel their journeys.
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