All 1 Debates between Lord Collins of Highbury and Viscount Trenchard

Human Rights Violations: Consular Assistance

Debate between Lord Collins of Highbury and Viscount Trenchard
Wednesday 30th October 2024

(1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Collins of Highbury Portrait Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

I can reassure the noble and learned Baroness that, yes, that is the case. We are determined to continue to offer the best possible service to all our citizens who are affected by this. I have been involved in some individual cases myself, so she can rest assured about that.

Viscount Trenchard Portrait Viscount Trenchard (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, for the Government to provide consular assistance to British nationals abroad, it is obviously essential that they know who they are. Some years ago, when I lived in Japan, British nationals were required to register their names and addresses with the embassy. I was surprised to hear that that has long since ceased to be the case. Does the Minister agree that it makes sense to reinstitute such a requirement?

Lord Collins of Highbury Portrait Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

I was just looking at the eligibility criteria and it is quite clear that we offer this service to British nationals overseas. They establish their rights through establishing evidence of their citizenship. I am not sure what further steps we might need to take. The important thing is that people who are resident abroad can rest assured that our consular services will be available to them.