British Nationals Abroad: Diplomatic Service

(asked on 18th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consular support they provide to UK citizens subject (1) to arbitrary detention, and (2) to torture; whether they provide guidance to their embassies on the nature of such support; and if so, (a) what such guidance says, and (b) what limitations on consular support such guidance advises.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 1st February 2021

The assistance we can, and cannot, provide to British nationals abroad is set out in the publication: Support for British nationals abroad: A Guide on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-britishnationals-abroad-a-guide). This also sets out who we can help, and that the level and type of assistance we offer is tailored to the individual circumstances of each case and local conditions. If a British national is not treated in line with internationally-accepted standards, which may include if their trial does not follow internationally-recognised standards for a fair trial, we will consider approaching local authorities. We take all allegations of torture and mistreatment very seriously and will follow up with action appropriate to the circumstances of the case. Although we cannot investigate torture or mistreatment allegations, with the individual's permission, we can raise them with the local authorities, demanding an end to the mistreatment, and that the incident is investigated and the perpetrators are brought to justice. Consular staff have access to a range of guidance, training, and supervision to support them.

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