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British Nationals Abroad: Death

Asked by James MacClearyLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 2 April 2026UIN 121582

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that embassies, high commissions and consulates provide adequate support to families when a family member dies when abroad temporarily.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

In 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) assisted families of over 6,500 British nationals who died overseas, with extra support for those in vulnerable circumstances such as bereavement through murder, manslaughter, or suspicious death. Assistance includes providing country-specific guides, which inform families of local procedures and information on how to bring a loved one back to the UK. The FCDO always welcomes feedback on the service provided, and seeks to learn lessons from it, especially when a bereaved family feels that they have not had the support they would expect.

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