Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure the release of unlawfully detained British nationals abroad.

FCDO consular staff are currently providing consular assistance in over 1600 cases relating to arrest or detention abroad. The UK Government cannot interfere in judicial proceedings in other countries. However, with the consent of the individual we will raise individual cases with the relevant overseas authorities where there are welfare or human rights concerns, such as allegations of torture or mistreatment or fair trial concerns, highlighting the detaining state's obligations under international human rights law.