Losing Loved Ones Overseas Support 2021-10-26
2021-10-26
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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No specific incident or statistic is provided, but the MP inquires about support for individuals losing loved ones abroad.
What support does her Department offer to people who lose loved ones overseas?
Losing a loved one is always extremely difficult, particularly if it happens overseas. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports about 4,000 families affected by death abroad annually. Consular staff work tirelessly to provide information on local laws and systems, and offer tailored support to British people and their families in order to make arrangements.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP mentions two recent and high-profile cases in his constituency: Susan and John Cooper who lost a loved one in Egypt, and Kelsey Devlin who died in Pakistan.
In my constituency, we have sadly had two recent and high-profile cases of families losing a loved one abroad, including Susan and John Cooper in Egypt, and more recently Kelsey Devlin in Pakistan. Will my right hon. Friend look into those two cases to see whether there is anything further that the Foreign Office can do in order that the families can finally get the answers they need so that they can grieve?
May I first offer my deepest sympathies to my hon. Friend's constituents following the deaths of their loved ones? Officials continue to support Mr and Mrs Cooper's family and are working with Her Majesty's Coroner and Egyptian authorities to enable the inquest to take place as soon as possible. My officials are also supporting Ms Devlin's family, and will assist them in reporting their concerns surrounding this tragic case to the police in Pakistan. I would also like to offer to meet my hon. Friend to discuss these two cases.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The MP references the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in Northern Ireland, which assists with complex repatriation cases.
Does the Minister agree that although charities such as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in Northern Ireland do a tremendous job in assisting with complex repatriation, there is a greater role and need for a Government-led repatriation section to be established?
As I said, FCDO consular staff provide assistance to about 4,000 British families a year. The purpose of the assistance is to provide tailored support depending on families' particular needs.
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Assessment & feedback
The establishment of a government-led repatriation section
As I Said
Response accuracy