Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Paragraph: 45
The evidence would suggest that the Government’s use of diplomatic protection in cases of arbitrary...
Conclusion
The evidence would suggest that the Government’s use of diplomatic protection in cases of arbitrary detention was badly handled. It was ill thought through and poorly implemented. It is likely that this was due to officials’ discomfort with this approach and a failure to implement it fully. This episode serves to illustrate an inconsistent and, at times, clumsy approach by Government.
Government Response Summary
The government believes that the current approach, led by Ministers, and supported by Ambassadors and senior officials who hold the necessary political and geographic expertise, is the best route to securing the release of those who have been arbitrarily detained.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
16. The Government has looked closely at other models. The Government believes that our current approach, led by Ministers, and supported by Ambassadors and senior officials who hold the necessary political and geographic expertise, is the best route to securing the release of those who have been arbitrarily detained for diplomatic leverage. It is Ministers, Ambassadors and senior officials who hold the necessary relationships to intervene decisively with a detaining State. In practice, this generally results in a lead point of contact at senior official level (e.g., Ambassador or Envoy), with the Foreign Secretary holding ultimate accountability as the Secretary of State responsible for consular affairs and bilateral relations. Our task force approach ensures that they are supported by the full range of consular, political and geographic expertise.