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British Nationals Abroad: Detainees

Asked by Alicia KearnsConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 78677

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many referrals were made to her Department's (a) Pro Bono Medical Panel and (b) Pro Bono Legal Panel in relation to (i) prisoner welfare and (ii) human rights in each year since May 2020.

Answered by Chris Elmore

All referrals to the Pro Bono Legal Panel were in relation to the human rights of detainees:

  • 2020 - fewer than 5 referrals
  • 2021 - no referrals
  • 2022 - fewer than 5 referrals
  • 2023 - fewer than 5 referrals
  • 2024 - fewer than 5 referrals
  • 2025 - no referrals

All referrals to the Pro Bono Medical Panel were in relation to prisoner welfare:

  • 2020 - 8 referrals
  • 2021 - 9 referrals
  • 2022 - No records
  • 2023 - 6 referrals
  • 2024 - fewer than 5 referrals
  • 2025 - fewer than 5 referrals

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