Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

British Nationals Detained Overseas

20 April 2022 · 5 other contributors · 3,439 words

Opened by Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

Responding minister: Amanda Milling

ImmigrationForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kevin Brennan raised concerns about british nationals detained overseas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Kevin Brennan raised concerns about the detention of Luke Symons, a British national held by the Houthis in Yemen since 2017.
  • Brennan requested the Minister for the Middle East to prioritize Luke Symons' release and explore all diplomatic channels for his return.
  • The Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to assist British nationals detained abroad, including tailored consular support for specific cases like Luke Symons.

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.

Opened the debate

Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

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.

Other contributors (5)
  • 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

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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