Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of safeguards governing Interpol red notices issued in respect of British citizens, potentially affecting their rights and international travel.
What discussions she has had with international counterparts on the adequacy of safeguards governing Interpol red notices issued in respect of British citizens?
The UK is a strong advocate for Interpol, recognising its critical function in supporting international law enforcement co-operation. We support its ongoing reform programme to ensure there is no space for states to wilfully misuse its systems. The UK is represented at Interpol meetings where the adequacy of its systems are discussed and where we work with like-minded partners to enhance safeguards against abuse.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions with international counterparts on the adequacy of safeguards governing Interpol red notices for British citizens were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
My constituent Ollie Bennett is wanted by Interpol for an alleged crime in Morocco three decades ago. Ollie has always maintained his innocence, and following a debate in this place, his crewmate was granted a full royal pardon for the same charges. Ollie, however, was not. In December, he was arrested and detained in a French police cell. Although he is now safely home, Ollie remains at risk of arrest each and every time he goes abroad. The irony is that the Moroccan authorities have never filed to extradite Ollie, yet a Moroccan-sponsored Interpol red notice for Ollie remains active. Will the Minister commit to meeting me, to ensure that Ollie can access the support that he needs to successfully appeal this red notice and finally end this 30-year-long groundhog day?
My hon. Friend is a committed advocate for his constituents. I would be very happy to meet him. As he will know, it is a matter of long-standing policy and practice that the UK can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an Interpol alert in a public forum, to protect legitimate criminal justice inquiries, but I would be delighted to meet him.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that the government has received a total of 64 category 2 type B extradition notices under section 70 of the Extradition Act 2003, with 56 certified. He highlighted that fewer than five notices are from Bangladesh and asked for specific details on Members of this House.
The Government recently informed me that they have received 64 category 2 type B extradition notices under section 70 of the Extradition Act 2003, of which 56 have been certified. Fewer than five of those come from Bangladesh. Can the Minister confirm how many of those relate to Members of this House, and whether there are any Interpol red notices that apply to Members of this House?
The hon. Member will have heard the point I just made: it is a matter of long-standing policy and practice that we do not confirm Interpol notices in public.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on extradition notices related to Members of this House were avoided, as well as the confirmation on Interpol red notices applicable to them.
Long-Standing Policy And Practice That We Do N [1D [K Not Confirm Interpol Notices In Public
Response accuracy