Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
2
Recommendation
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
We recommend that within the next 12 months the Government formalises and publishes guidance outlining criteria for determining whether the detention of a UK national by a foreign state is considered arbitrary and at risk of being used for state leverage. Subsequently a review should be carried out of all …
Government response. The government does not agree to formalize and publish guidance on criteria for determining arbitrary detention, stating they use a multi-disciplinary task force approach to identify such cases and ensure any attempt to exert diplomatic leverage is identified quickly.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
13
Recommendation
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
On balance, we believe that the MacGregor review’s recommendations do not go far enough and the interests of the affected families and those of the FCDO in securing detainee releases are best served by concentrating responsibility for handling these cases in a single senior position. We recommend that over the …
Government response. The government rejects the creation of a Director for Arbitrary and Complex Detentions, stating the Foreign Secretary has primacy and they prioritise country-specific expertise and consular best practice, using senior geographic leads and a Director for Consular Services.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25
Conclusion
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
The working assumption should be that families are partners who have the potential to be instrumental in the attempts to resolve the detentions. Despite Government assurances, we do not believe that sufficient progress has been made in improving communication with families. Families are frequently assured by officials and ministers that …
Government response. The government does not agree that a separate post of Director for Arbitrary and Complex Detentions should be established, noting the Foreign Secretary's primacy within Cabinet.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
26
Recommendation
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
We recommend that unless the detainee expressly withholds consent to do so, the families of any vulnerable or arbitrary detainee receiving consular assistance be provided by a senior manager or minister in the FCDO at the soonest possible time with a clear description of the Government’s plan of engagement. Briefings …
Government response. The government does not agree with establishing a separate post of Director for Arbitrary and Complex Detentions, as their approach reflects the Foreign Secretary's primacy within Cabinet and the importance of country-specific expertise and consular best practice.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
30
Conclusion
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
The Government took longer to repay the IMS Debt than it needed to and the eventual circumstances under which it was paid were unsatisfactory. We conclude that the only factors which changed and therefore allowed repayment in March 2022 were the interpretation of the terms of the sanctions, and the …
Government response. The government disputes the committee's characterisation of the IMS debt repayment, stating it was done in compliance with sanctions and that UK-US relations remain close.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
31
Recommendation
Sixth Report - Stolen years: combatting…
Rejected
The FCDO’s failure to have maintained robust travel advice on the front page of the website for Iran between 2016 and 2018 is a significant error which may have made UK nationals less safe in Iran and likely other countries too. We welcome the renewed commitment in the “Consular and …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of travel advice but declines to give tailored advice beyond what is already available, citing a commitment to avoid 'double standards' and directing individuals to existing travel advice resources.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office