Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Torture and Mistreatment Reporting Guidance, published in March 2011, has been updated since its publication; if not, whether any equivalent guidance has replaced it; and if so, what plans they have to place a copy of any such (1) updated, or (2) new, guidance in the Library of the House.

The UK Government unreservedly condemns the use of torture. We work closely with international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice. The UK does not participate in, solicit, encourage or condone the use of torture for any purpose.

The UK takes all allegations and concerns about torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment very seriously. The Torture and Mistreatment Reporting Guidance of 2011 sets out the process for FCDO staff and other staff working in Her Majesty's diplomatic missions and offices for reporting information about torture and mistreatment. There are no immediate plans to update the guidance.