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British Nationals Detained Overseas
20 April 2022
Lead MP
Kevin Brennan
Cardiff West
Lab
Responding Minister
Amanda Milling
Tags
NHSForeign AffairsMental Health
Word Count: 3439
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Kevin Brennan raised concerns about british nationals detained overseas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Brennan asks the Minister for the Middle East to make it clear that securing Luke Symons' release is a high priority. He requests her to personally take a fresh look at the case and do everything possible to secure Luke's return home, including opening channels with the Houthis and engaging with other countries like France and the US which have successfully secured prisoner releases.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Kevin Brennan is concerned about the detention of British nationals abroad, specifically highlighting the case of his constituent Luke Symons who has been detained by the Houthis in Yemen since 2017. He mentioned that despite numerous promises and negotiations, there has been little progress on securing Luke's release. The family has expressed concerns over Luke's physical health due to poor prison conditions and lack of medical care. Additionally, they are distressed about his deteriorating mental health as a result of isolation.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Ms Daby supports Mr Brennan's call for Government pressure and intervention at an early stage for individuals like Anoosheh Ashoori, highlighting the impact of public campaigning on government action.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Mr Corbyn draws attention to Mehran Raoof's case, a trade union activist detained in Iran, questioning why his name was not publicised and urging for similar campaigns leading to his release. Jeremy Corbyn seeks assurance from the minister regarding serious negotiations and talks between the UK and Iran concerning the release of Mehran Raoof, among others whose names are not disclosed but who also deserve to be released.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon questions the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on lessons learned from cases like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's, urging earlier intervention to prevent such situations.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Mr Docherty calls for a confirmation from the Minister regarding Jagtar Singh Johal's arbitrary detention in India, urging immediate attention during the Prime Minister's visit to the Republic of India. The Prime Minister has stated the importance of democracies sticking together in the face of threats from autocratic states. Martin Docherty asks if the minister agrees that democratic allies should be held accountable when they fail to uphold shared values, particularly regarding allegations of torture.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Rushanara Ali appeals for continued work by the Government's officials to lift an asset freeze and travel ban on Karim Ennarah, a UK national who is now separated from his wife due to these restrictions.
Government Response
Amanda Milling
Government Response
The Minister highlighted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's efforts to support British nationals detained abroad, noting that around 5,000 British nationals are arrested or detained overseas each year. She emphasized the provision of tailored consular assistance without making judgments about the guilt or innocence of those detained. The Minister also addressed specific cases such as Luke Symons, a constituent held in Yemen by the Houthis since 2017, and detailed efforts made to secure his release through high-level diplomatic engagements and ongoing welfare checks conducted by NGOs.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.