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British Nationals Abroad: Abduction

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 8 May 2025UIN 48398

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the kidnapping of British citizens abroad.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

Whenever a British person is kidnapped abroad, we will try to do everything we can to make sure they are released safely. Wherever possible we will work with the government and law enforcement agencies where the kidnapping has happened, as they will normally be responsible for leading the response. It is the long-standing policy of successive governments that we will not make substantive concessions to kidnappers. Travel Advice published by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on gov.uk provides safety information for travellers, and includes information on kidnap risks in relevant countries.

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