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Terrorism: Criminal Investigation

Asked by Andrew RangerLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 28 May 2026UIN 2176

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how terrorist murders of British nationals committed in foreign countries are investigated; and whether responsibility for such investigations lies with (a) British police forces and (b) local law enforcement authorities.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

Crimes against British nationals overseas are investigated by the law enforcement authorities of the country where the crime occurs, just as crimes against foreign nationals in the UK are investigated by UK police. UK police may provide assistance or pursue related lines of enquiry where there is a UK connection or at the request of the overseas police force, but primary responsibility rests with the country where the crime happened.

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