When you loose an iPhone and have the carrier barr it, but then find it again. Is it the carrier or Apple that has to unblock it? Because I’m being passed around between them at the moment.

GiffGaff says it’s not them placing the barr, go talk to Apple. I visit Apple and they tell me they do not bar phones, talk to GiffGaff. No-one seems to want to talk to each other and resolve, so now I can’t use my phone as a phone.

Make an official complaint to the carrier. If you're out of contract, play the "I' want to leave" card.