Embassies
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of use of diplomatic premises in the UK to (a) monitor and (b) intimidate members of diaspora communities; and what safeguards are in place to prevent such activity.
Answered by Dan Jarvis
Diplomatic activity in the UK is governed through the principles of the Vienna Conventions which allows for legitimate diplomatic activity. Where we find evidence of any activity that goes beyond what is accredited for, this could invalidate the accreditation, and the UK would take appropriate action.
While it is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on security and intelligence matters, where we identify such threats, we are front footed in deploying protective measures as appropriate.
If individuals think they are a victim of state directed activity, they should report this to police via the established mechanisms 101, 999, or at a local police station.
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