A British-led hiking party, some 30 strong, found themselves atop a rumbling Indonesian peak when the earth decided to cough. This is no holiday brochure. This is a Westminster-style survival story unfolding in real time.

The volcano, Mount Lewotobi in East Nusa Tenggara, erupted without warning. The group, organised by a UK-based adventure firm, was midway up the summit trail. Hot ash. Flying rocks. The kind of chaos civil servants dread.

Sources say the Foreign Office has been in damage control mode since 2am. Operations in the Crisis Centre are described as 'intense but controlled.' A minister, who cannot be named, told me: 'We have people on the ground. They are dusting themselves off. This is a fast-moving situation.'

Back home, the Prime Minister's office is getting updates. The whips are quiet. This is not a rebellion. This is a rescue. But the optics matter. A British group caught in a natural disaster plays differently than a diplomatic spat.

Survivors are reporting the guide, a local man named Ketut, shouted 'Down, now!' as the first explosion hit. He led them through a hail of pumice. One British man, in his fifties, is said to have a fractured arm. Others have burns. Rapid evacuation is underway.

The Opposition has not yet pounced. Too early. But the backbenchers are watching. If the government's response is seen as slow, we could see some pointed questions at PMQs. The Speaker will have his hands full.

I have a contact who was on the phone with a survivor ten minutes ago. The survivor said: 'We thought we were dead. We were in the hands of the gods. Then we ran.' That will not make the official readout. But it captures the essence of this drama.

There are unconfirmed reports of a British ambassador-level call to Indonesian authorities. The governor of the province has been 'very helpful,' according to a leaked email. The game is diplomacy dressed as crisis management.

For now, the group is being processed. Medically assessed. Debriefed. The full story will emerge. But the political class is on alert. This is a developing test of the government's ability to protect its citizens. No pressure, Prime Minister.

More as we get it. Lobby sources are tightening their lips. I will keep pressing. For now, this is all I can give you.