A DORSET MP has called on the Government to allow Indian citizens living in the UK to be able to travel to the country to assist grieving relatives.

Sir Christopher Chope, who represents Christchurch, said preventing people from making such trips in the circumstances would be "unreasonable".

The veteran Conservative politician raised the issue in the House of Commons.

Sir Christopher said: "Can I ask whether it is going to be possible for Indian citizens who are living here in the United Kingdom to travel to India should they so wish so that they can help their grieving relatives or provide other support?

"Because it would surely be unreasonable that we should prevent people leaving our country who wish to go and help in these circumstances?"

Foreign Office minister Nigel Adams replied: "In terms of travelling to India, you'll be aware that we did add India to our red list – that was to ensure that we protect against any variants and against other developing variants.

"The situation in India has deteriorated. Currently travel abroad is against the law and until that situation changes then people in the UK need to be mindful of the travel advice."

India has seen a huge spike in cases over the past few weeks. Earlier this month, more than 400,000 infections were recorded in a single day in the south Asian nation.