UK Citizens Detained Abroad 2026-01-20
2026-01-20
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Jagtar Singh Johal, a constituent of Douglas McAllister, has been imprisoned in India since 3,000 days ago on trumped-up charges. He was acquitted last year but now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence.
What steps is her Department taking to support UK citizens arbitrarily detained abroad? Exactly 3,000 days ago, my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal was imprisoned in India, and he remains arbitrarily detained. He faces the death penalty on trumped-up charges after being tortured for a confession. Despite his acquittal last year of all charges, he now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence. Does the Foreign Secretary or Minister agree that this is clearly double jeopardy under Indian, international, and UK law? Will the Government make that clear to Indian counterparts?
Despite progress in Mr Johal’s legal proceedings, eight of the cases against him remain outstanding. We continue to raise concerns about his prolonged detention with the Government of India at every appropriate opportunity and emphasise the need for a prompt, full and just resolution of Mr Johal’s cases in India’s independent legal system.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to clarify double jeopardy status with Indian counterparts.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Jagtar Singh Johal's case is part of a broader context of human rights violations against UK citizens abroad. Christine Jardine notes that the world is becoming more dangerous, posing threats to the human rights of British citizens.
Sadly, Jagtar Singh Johal’s case is not unique; there are other instances of human rights violations against British citizens. Given that one of our biggest allies has stated peace is no longer a priority and considering the dangerous world we live in, does the Minister agree it is time to make consular assistance a legal right for all British citizens?
We are committed to introducing a right to consular assistance. We will return to this House with more detail about what form that will take.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details or timeline for the introduction of consular assistance rights.
Response accuracy