A British national has died in a paragliding accident in Spain, triggering a rapid response from the UK's much-vaunted consular network. The incident, which occurred near Alicante, saw Foreign Office officials on the scene within hours, offering support to the victim's family. This is the kind of crisis where the UK's global reach matters.
The consular network, often underfunded and underappreciated, proved its worth. Labour will take note. They have been sniffing around efficiency savings.
This tragedy puts them in a bind. Can they match this response? The family of the deceased will have been assigned a dedicated caseworker, likely with crisis management training.
Flights home will be coordinated. Paperwork fast-tracked. Meanwhile, the Spanish authorities will be handling the investigation.
The UK will offer liaison. It is a dance they know well. For those tracking the game: this is a win for the FCDO.
But it also exposes a vulnerability. Any cuts to this network, and lives would be affected. The PM will be briefed.
The lobby will be scenting blood if there is any suggestion of a slow response. There isn't. The system worked.
But in Westminster, that is rarely the end of the story.
