Government not helping Nepal manhunt, MP says
Ian Lavery says there has been a lack of help for a constituent missing in the Nepal floods.
**Government not helping Nepal manhunt, MP says**
Anirban Battacharyya, who has lived in the UK for more than 60 years, has been missing since 26 August
An MP has accused the government of failing to assist one of his constituents who has been missing since a deadly flood hit Nepal last month.
Ashington and Blyth MP Ian Lavery told parliament that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has declined to directly help in the search for Newbiggin-by-the-Sea resident Anirban Battacharyya, who, despite living in the UK for 60 years, still holds Indian citizenship.
Lavery called for urgent discussions on how the government "can be more helpful to people who have lived in this country all their lives" but do not have citizenship.
The government said it was "in contact" with Indian authorities regarding "relief efforts".
More than 1,000 people are known to have died, and thousands remain missing, after a flash flood believed to have been caused by a glacial collapse swept through Nepalese border villages on 26 August.
Battacharyya was travelling between Kolkata in India and Nepal's capital Kathmandu when he was caught up in the flooding and has not been heard from since, according to the report.
On Thursday, Lavery said: "The FCO have been less than helpful, pointing the family to the Indian Consulate who again have been less than helpful.
"Because he hasn't got a British passport, we can't help him?"
Responding for the government, the Leader of the Commons and Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell said he would see whether the relevant minister would meet Lavery to discuss the case.
Campbell said: "We are working with authorities on the ground to support efforts in this terrible situation, supporting survivors of all nationalities and working to get families information about missing loved ones.
"We're also in contact with the Indian authorities about the relief efforts. I am disappointed that this hasn't led to the outcome that my honourable friend seeks."