Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Duncan and Rosie Cooper

Tuesday 4th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Europe and the Americas (Sir Alan Duncan)]

I was appalled by the attack in the bar in Benidorm that put Jimmy Carol in a coma. Our consular staff have been supporting him and his family and talking to the Spanish police responsible for the investigation, and I hope Mr Carol makes a full recovery and that his attacker is brought to justice.

[Rosie Cooper]

What information does the Minister have that might explain the serious delay in the investigation of that violent attack on my constituent?

[Sir Alan Duncan]

The circumstances were a little confusing. The Spanish police might have seen it as a straightforward pub brawl, when in fact Mr Carol was intervening to back up some women who were being badly harassed. I think the answer to the hon. Lady’s question is that it took some time for the local police to pass the case on to the national police. I would be perfectly happy for her to come and see me, perhaps with a close relative of Mr Carol, and I will do my utmost to ensure that consular officials do all that they can on this case.