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Question
The charges brought against Mr Taylor appear retaliatory, with no legal basis for his arrest. The UK Government failed to represent him during his 100-day detention in Croatia and have not initiated investigations into the corruption he exposed. This sends a message that whistleblowers lack protection. What message does this send about the government's stance on protecting citizens abroad?
Minister reply
The Vienna convention on consular relations prevents us from interfering with foreign legal processes, as we would expect them to do in our country. We provided consular support by contacting Mr Taylor’s lawyer and family, requesting information from Monégasque authorities, and monitoring his case closely.
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Question
While respecting the Vienna convention, should we remind Croatian courts of their duties under EU whistleblowers' directive to protect Mr Taylor? Should we also consider reviewing double taxation arrangements with Monaco if they defend corrupt practices?
Minister reply
Under EU law, Croatian courts are required to inquire about UK’s desire for extradition before proceeding. The CPS has stated there is no interest in extraditing him to the UK.
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Question
The MP commends Caroline Nokes for raising the issue and notes the Minister's comments on the Vienna convention. He asks when a response is expected from Monégasque authorities and if the Government will be vocal in their view that the evidence brought forward is not credible.
Minister reply
The Minister assures Alyn Smith that they have approached the Monégasque prosecutor’s office to obtain more information, but cannot provide a specific timeline for when they will get a response. She commits to looking at any further evidence that comes forward.
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Question
The MP recalls his own unfair arrest in Ukraine and asks the Minister to ensure Jonathan Taylor gets as much support as possible from the British Government.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton assures Bob Stewart that they have already given a lot of consular support to Mr Taylor and will continue to do so.
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Question
The MP congratulates Caroline Nokes on securing the urgent question and thanks the Minister for meeting with the all-party parliamentary group. She asks why the Government are not making representations to both Croatia and Monaco to stop the extradition process.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton explains that there is a process and Vienna convention to follow, and they have no evidence linking Taylor's arrest to his whistleblowing activities on corruption at SBM Offshore. She reiterates the support given to Mr Taylor.
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Question
The MP asks what actions the Government are taking to ensure Interpol’s systems are not abused.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton states that the UK has seconded a senior lawyer to the Interpol taskforce working to prevent abuse of Interpol's systems.
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Question
The MP expresses gratitude for whistleblowers like Taylor and questions whether the Government’s inaction sends a wrong signal, especially during times of chaos such as the pandemic.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton asserts that they are actively supporting Mr Taylor through consular support and have made it clear there is no evidence linking his arrest to whistleblowing activities.
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Question
The MP questions the Government's refusal to support one of their citizens, Jonathan Taylor, despite his assistance in fighting corruption.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton reassures that consular and legal support is being provided to Mr Taylor.
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Question
The MP asks about further protections for whistleblowers and investigative journalists in light of Jonathan Taylor's case.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton states that they are focusing on the specific case of Mr Taylor and will consider additional actions if evidence links his arrest to whistleblowing activities.
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Question
The MP asks for an update on security talks in UK-EU negotiations.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton avoids getting drawn into EU negotiation discussions, reiterating that the end of the transition period is at the end of the year.
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Question
The MP believes it's Jonathan Taylor’s birthday and asks for updates on measures to allow whistleblowers arrested abroad to return to the UK.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton thanks Bob Blackman and commits that if evidence shows Mr Taylor was charged because of his whistleblowing, they will urgently consider further action.
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Question
The MP questions the signal sent out by the Government's actions over 100 days since Mr Taylor’s arrest.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton states that they are providing consular support, in regular contact with Mr Taylor and his family, and will consider further steps if evidence of wrongdoing is provided.
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Question
The MP asks for a detailed outline of the type of support provided to Jonathan Taylor.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton explains that they are providing consular and legal support, in regular contact with Mr Taylor and his family, and will consider further actions if evidence is provided.
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Question
The MP asks whether the European convention on human rights should apply to every British citizen when their rights are under threat.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton commits that if evidence shows Mr Taylor was charged because of his whistleblowing, they will urgently consider it.
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Question
The MP questions the message sent by failing to act on Jonathan Taylor's case and suggests an office for whistleblower support.
Minister reply
Wendy Morton emphasises the need to examine each case individually but commits to urgent action if evidence of retaliation is provided.
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Question
Mr Taylor’s action should be applauded. He should not be pursued, and we condemn Monaco’s action on this. Failure by the UK to support whistleblowers will send a terrible message to those who we need to speak out. What measures will the UK Government now take to protect those who need to speak out in future over such issues?
Minister reply
I have been very clear about our response to the case of Mr Taylor, and I think that it is really important that I remain focused on that. We are continuing to give him consular support and, as I said, at this time we have no evidence that his arrest is linked to his whistleblowing on corruption, so I think that it would be wrong of me to speculate.
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Question
I am sorry; I like the Minister but her answers are about as much use as a bath full of blancmange. They are not going to do Mr Taylor any favours, and the real problem is that whistleblowers around the world are going to take away the message that the Interpol red-notice system can be abused with impunity because countries like the United Kingdom are not even going to say boo to a goose. Do we not now need proper reform?
Minister reply
I do not accept the hon. Member’s assertion about saying boo to a goose at all. I have been very clear about the support that we are giving to Mr Taylor, and that at this time we have no evidence that this arrest is linked to his whistleblowing on corruption.
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Question
The only reason why we have any idea at all about the murky, corrupt and usually criminal world of offshore tax havens is leaks such as the Paradise papers or the Panama papers, or, now, the activities of Mr Taylor. Does the Minister not share the concern of Opposition Members and others in the House that there will be fewer such leaks to help us to bring tax havens to justice and to stop their nefarious activities, which, frankly, are corrupting huge parts of the way the world operates?
Minister reply
I would of course always be concerned about stories relating to corruption, as the hon. Gentleman would expect, but I have to reiterate that in the case of Mr Taylor we have no evidence that this arrest is linked to his whistleblowing on corruption at SBM Offshore. We are continuing to give Mr Taylor consular support through the FCDO.