Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Not Addressed
We recommend that the FCDO demonstrates meaningful engagement and provides the Committee with an annual...
Recommendation
We recommend that the FCDO demonstrates meaningful engagement and provides the Committee with an annual private report on the progress of UK nationals arbitrarily detained abroad, with follow-up briefing at the Foreign Office if required, to enable the work of Parliament and Government to better serve UK interests. (Paragraph 49) How the UK Government has communicated to Parliament and the public about cases
Government response summary AI-generated
The Government agrees the importance of continuous improvement and proactive case management and has systems and practices in place to support this, including a central database for recording and managing consular casework globally, and thorough briefings for incoming staff or Ministers. This response does not address the recommendation to provide an annual private report to the Committee.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
35. The Government recognises the importance of a constructive relationship between Parliament and the FCDO, the vital work that MPs carry out to support their constituents, and the important role of the Committee in providing scrutiny. Consular and Crisis Directorate engages with Parliament across a range of issues including proactively briefing MPs and their staff about our consular strategy and support for British people abroad. The FCDO welcomes the support Parliamentarians can offer in support of efforts to deter and combat the practice of arbitrarily detaining British nationals for diplomatic leverage. 36. However, given the limited number of cases of arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage, and the need to protect personal data and sensitive information, the Government does not agree to provide an annual report on the progress of such cases. The Government already publishes extensive consular transparency data to support public and parliamentary scrutiny of consular services, including detailed monthly reporting on assistance provided to British nationals around the world. The Government also publishes an Annual Human Rights and Democracy report which includes government action to promote and defend human rights globally.
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