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<p>In any individual case, the Government will look at all the circumstances concerned.
This includes consideration of the International Convention Against the Taking of
Hostages 1979. The Convention expressly addresses situations in which an individual
commits the offence of hostage-taking; it does not define the circumstances in which
a State could be responsible for hostage-taking. In considering whether or not someone
is a hostage under the Convention, the UK will have regard to the definition of hostage-taking
at Article 1 and the exemption for offences which take place wholly within a State
in which both the hostage and perpetrator are nationals of that State.</p><p>In considering
what action to take to assist a British national overseas, the Government will always
take into account any relevant international law obligations and UK policy. Our public
guidance sets out that the UK can provide consular support to British nationals detained
by foreign governments outside the UK including making early contact, notifying family
and friends on request and offering information about the local legal system. The
guidance makes clear that we cannot get people out of prison or detention, however
we will consider approaching local authorities if an individual is not treated in
line with internationally-accepted standards.</p>
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