Channel 4 documentary on British Consulate in Spain
Monday, February 20, 2012 @ 11:45 AM
How the staff of British Consulates in Spain help citizens in distress is to be highlighted in a new TV documentary series to be broadcast next month on Channel 4 in the UK. The new TV series, filmed last summer, reveals how consular staff come to the rescue of Britons who find themselves in trouble. From helping victims of crime to advising Brits arrested by the police, the series also follows consular staff as they visit holidaymakers who end up in hospital and meet expat residents to hear their property concerns. In a three part series,
Our Man In…, provides unprecedented access to the work of British consular staff. It will be shown on Channel 4 on the following Thursdays in March: 1, 8 and 15 at 10.pm GMT (11.pm.Central European time). The first programme features Mallorca and Ibiza, the second follows the team in Alicante and the third covers Tenerife and Barcelona.
The series shows the hard work and professionalism of our staff in helping British expats and holidaymakers as well as highlighting the serious issues that Brits can face abroad, stated Paul Rodwell, the British Consul in Alicante. Some of the less serious cases can be avoided and I would encourage people to read our travel advice and have a look at the information we have on our ukinspain website.”The series reveals the consequences of failing to prepare properly for a holiday.
Even if you are staying with friends and family, travelling without insurance could cost you many thousands of pounds if you are injured abroad.Losing your passport will cost you time and money, stated Mr Rodwell. And without an EHIC health card, you’ll find it harder to get medical care. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a dream holiday turning into a nightmare.
The programme in Alicante -- about life on the Costas -- shows the pro-active face of the consulate, with staff seeking out Brits caught up in a forest fire, organising outreach events to hear the worries of residents, and working with local police to manage an invasion of Scottish football fans for a big game against Spain.