Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many visits British Consular staff have made to Shaker Aamer in each of the last 10 years.

Mr Aamer is a Saudi national, and states are only afforded consular access and responsibilities in respect of their own national citizens.

Whilst we are therefore not able to conduct visits, we routinely enquire about Mr Aamer’s welfare, and always follow up allegations of poor health as a matter of priority. We are also in touch with his legal representatives who alert us to any concerns they have on his welfare.

Mr Aamer’s case remains a high priority for the UK Government and we continue to make clear to the US that we want him released and returned to the UK as a matter of urgency.