Maggie Throup MP, Member of Parliament has released the following statement regarding The Thomas Cook Group:
"The news that Thomas Cook ceased trading with immediate effect in the early hours of this morning and has subsequently been placed into compulsory liquidation is deeply distressing for its employees and customers and my thoughts are first and foremost with them at this difficult time.
"The Government and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been contingency planning for this scenario and the Transport Secretary has today instructed the CAA to bring home, without charge, all those currently abroad and due to return to the UK.
"In the first instance those affected should visit the CAA’s dedicated website www.thomascook.caa.co.uk for full information about what to do next.
"Alternatively if you were originally scheduled to return to the UK within the next 48 hours, you are currently overseas and having difficulty with your accommodation, or you require special assistance, you can contact the CAA’s call centre on either 0300 303 2800 (phoning from the UK) or +44 1753 330 330 (phoning from overseas).
"I and my team also stand ready to assist constituents who have been affected by today’s sad news."