Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 25
By identifying and articulating the nature of detentions, the Government would have the option to...
Conclusion
By identifying and articulating the nature of detentions, the Government would have the option to put arbitrary detentions on a lane of engagement distinct to other diplomatic priorities with the detaining country. This could allow for creative solutions unconstrained by other bilateral objectives and expand the limited toolbox available to the consular directorate. It would allow the case to be segregated from wider geopolitics and bilateral negotiations, something the aggressor may not welcome.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that detention for diplomatic leverage is unacceptable, but the evidence of increasing risk to British nationals is less clear and politicization may not be helpful.
Paragraph Reference:
25
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
7. The Government is clear that any detention for diplomatic leverage is unacceptable no matter how large or small the number of people involved. The Government also agrees that there is increasing international concern about, and condemnation of, this practice. In the case of British nationals detained overseas, the evidence of increasing risk is less clear. The number of cases where the Government judge British nationals are detained arbitrarily overseas for diplomatic leverage remains limited. Not all detentions even in countries of concern are intended to exert diplomatic leverage. The behaviour of the small number of States that have been accused of engaging in such practices can be unpredictable and volatile, and the motivations of detaining authorities are rarely clear or consistent. Even when arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage is a suspected motivation, avoiding politicisation can be the best route to de-escalation and release.