Thomas Cook is an iconic UK company with 178 years of trading history and its collapse is a matter of great sadness.

There is much concern for all those whose jobs are at risk – 9,000 in the UK and in particular for the 1,200 in Mr Vara’s constituency where the company’s headquarters are located.

Mr Vara has said that he will be doing all he possibly can to assist these people.

As for the 160,000 UK holidaymakers which booked through the company, having spoken with Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary and Andrea Leadsom, the Business Secretary, Mr Vara was assured that detailed preparations are in place to repatriate these people from the various overseas places where they are visiting.

Mr Vara said:

“Today is a very sad day with the collapse of an iconic UK company that has been trading for 178 years as well as the threat to 9,000 UK jobs of which 1,200 are in my constituency where the company’s headquarters are based. I will be doing all that I can to assist those affected.

“In the meantime, having spoken with Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary and Andrea Leadsom, the Business Secretary, I am assured that detailed preparations are in place to ensure the safe return of the 160,000 holidaymakers which are currently abroad.”