Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Rejected
Paragraph: 77
We recommend that unless the detainee expressly withholds consent to do so, the families of...
Recommendation
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 should be frequent and include as much detail as possible. It should be clearly explained that some information will be classified but that the aim will be for maximum transparency. The relevant official or minister should be prepared to give private briefings to the relevant constituency Member of Parliament if requested by the family. This requires a significant step-change in the Government’s approach, which reinforces the need for a Director for Arbitrary and Complex Detentions.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
77
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
26. The Government does not agree that we should establish a separate post of Director for Arbitrary and Complex Detentions. Our approach reflects the Foreign Secretary’s 8 Stolen years: combatting state hostage diplomacy: Government Response primacy within Cabinet as the Secretary of State responsible for foreign affairs, including consular affairs, with direct access to the Prime Minister. Our approach to the governance and leadership of complex cases also reflects the dual premium we place on country specific expertise and consular best practice. Relevant senior geographic leads (Minister, Geographic Director, and Head of Mission) may lead our diplomatic response to complex detentions such as those in Iran, working with the Director for Consular Services who is responsible for consistency of consular approach. We regularly compare this approach with best practice in other countries.