{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&_metadata=all&version=1", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148148", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148148/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

On 26 September during an Urgent Question on Hong Kong I set out the UK\u2019s serious concerns about the credible reports of over a million Uyghur Muslims being held in so-called \u201cre-education camps\u201d. As I stated in the House, we will continue to ensure that these concerns are expressed directly with Chinese authorities. We also raise the issue multilaterally: the UK recently co-hosted an event on Xinjiang at the UN General Assembly where the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, called for China to allow UN observers unfettered access to the region. The former Foreign Secretary highlighted our concerns about Xinjiang with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his last visit to China. The former Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific did the same with Vice Minister Guo Yezhou during his last visit to China.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T15:49:45.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "China: Uyghurs"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on the treatment of the Uighur people by the Chinese Government.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4090", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Jonathan Lord"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Woking"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Jonathan Lord"} ], "uin" : "294157"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148192", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148192/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

We continually assess the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka on the implementation of UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1. In March when the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued its latest Annual Report, we agreed that progress had been made. We welcomed the restoration of important democratic checks and balances, improvements in freedom of expression and assembly, the return of some military-held civilian land, the establishment of an Office of Missing Persons and the ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances.<\/p>

However, we want to see further and faster progress. We continue to urge the Government to establish the full range of transitional justice mechanisms envisaged in the UNHRC resolutions, to deliver meaningful devolution through constitutional reform, replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with human rights compliant legislation, and return all remaining military-held private land. During his recent visit to Sri Lanka on 2-3 October, Lord Ahmad encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to deliver fully on its commitments made to the UNHRC and to develop a comprehensive and time-bound implementation strategy.<\/p>

\u200b<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T12:08:09.39Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Sri Lanka: Human Rights"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka on the implementation of UN Human Rights Council resolutions on that country.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4504", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Wes Streeting"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ilford North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Wes Streeting"} ], "uin" : "294221"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148222", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148222/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4075", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Christopher Pincher"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Tamworth"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Christopher Pincher"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T13:40:57.667Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bahamas: Hurricanes and Tornadoes"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department has provided to people affected by storm Dorian in the Bahamas.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "294177"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148243", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148243/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

There are differing views on trophy hunting imports, which is why the British Government recently announced plans to launch a consultation on further restricting the import and export of hunting trophies to and from the UK. In addition, the UK continues to work hard within international forums, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to ensure that wildlife is used in a sustainable and well managed way.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T13:06:07.113Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Animal Products: Imports"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to end trophy hunting imports throughout the world.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4025", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Pauline Latham"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Derbyshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mrs Pauline Latham"} ], "uin" : "294136"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148315", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148315/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The sixth UK-Tunisia Bilateral Forum, which took place in London on 12 September, provided an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and regional issues, and underlined both countries' desire to continue to collaborate closely. Both countries committed themselves to finalising a broad bilateral association agreement, which was signed on 4 October. This Agreement will provide a comprehensive framework for the growing trade between our countries and strengthen cooperation on political dialogue, democracy, education, trade, environment and human rights. The Joint Communique of the Forum, providing further details of its conclusions, has been published on gov.uk.<\/p>

While no new measures relating to migration in Africa were agreed, we continue to work closely with Tunisia to address the issue of unmanaged migration from Africa to Europe and to help Tunisian authorities deal with this challenge.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T16:36:41.56Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Tunisia: Foreign Relations"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what were the conclusions of the British-Tunisian Forum for Dialogue held on 12 September; and whether they included measures relating to migration in Africa.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2018", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Hylton"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Hylton"} ], "uin" : "HL18035"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148318", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1148318/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The UK is fully committed to upholding the legally binding Joint Declaration of 1984. In our national \u2018Item 2\u2019 statement at the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in September we re-iterated our support and call for all to respect the \u2018One Country, Two Systems\u2019 framework, including the rights and freedoms in the Joint Declaration. We also underlined that meaningful political dialogue, under Hong Kong\u2019s high degree of autonomy, is essential.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T14:30:13.97Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Sino-British Joint Declaration"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 24 June (HL16327), what discussions they have had with the United Nations to ensure that the Sino-British Joint Declaration, ratified by the governments of China and the United Kingdom in 1984 and registered with the United Nations in 1985, is adhered to.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/457", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Pendry"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Pendry"} ], "uin" : "HL18038"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147737", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147737/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The table below provides the number and proportion of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service serving overseas each year since 2013:-<\/p>

<\/p><\/td>

Mar-13<\/p><\/td>

Mar-14<\/p><\/td>

Mar-15<\/p><\/td>

Mar-16<\/p><\/td>

Mar-17<\/p><\/td>

Mar-18<\/p><\/td>

Mar-19<\/p><\/td>

Aug-19<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Number of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas<\/p><\/td>

1600-1699<\/p><\/td>

1400-1499<\/p><\/td>

1400-1499<\/p><\/td>

1400-1499<\/p><\/td>

1400-1499<\/p><\/td>

1500-1599<\/p><\/td>

1700-1799<\/p><\/td>

1600-1699<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Proportion of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas<\/p><\/td>

48%<\/p><\/td>

47%<\/p><\/td>

47%<\/p><\/td>

45%<\/p><\/td>

45%<\/p><\/td>

48%<\/p><\/td>

52%<\/p><\/td>

51%<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

<\/p>

The statistics above exclude FCO Home Civil Servants who are working in an overseas post. Up until 1st April 2015, Department of Trade staff (former UKTI) were included in FCO staff headcount.<\/p>

We are unable to provide headcount information prior to 2013. As reported in the 2012/13 FCO Annual Report and Accounts at page 29, in February 2013 the FCO realigned previous staffing figures, adopting a new methodology in line with Office for National Statistics guidelines.<\/p>

Numbers have been released in bands rather than absolute values in line with current publication policies for FCO headcount.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T13:01:23.647Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Diplomatic Service"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many and what proportion of the members of Her Majesty\u2019s Diplomatic Service are (a) serving overseas and (b) have served overseas in each year since 2010.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "293642"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147738", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147738/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

There are fewer than 5 Foreign Commonwealth Office members of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service working in the institutions and bodies of the EU.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T15:45:20.287Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "EU Countries: Diplomatic Service"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many members of Her Majesty\u2019s Diplomatic Service work in the institutions and bodies of the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "293643"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147739", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147739/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The UK has close connections with the ten countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and we are rightly looking to strengthen our links with this important region of the world after we exit the EU.<\/p>

The new UK Ambassador to ASEAN is expected to take up the role in Jakarta this autumn, with the Mission fully established and operational by the end of the current Financial Year. The Mission is co-located with the British Embassy in Jakarta. The estimated budget for establishing it is £700,000; the full costs will be known once the necessary works have been completed. It is estimated that the annual budget for operating the Mission, once fully established, will be approximately £750,000.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4053", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Derbyshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Heather Wheeler"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-08T12:49:50.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "South East Asia: Diplomatic Service"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department has budgeted for the (a) establishment and (b) operation of a permanent British diplomatic mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4471", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rachael Maskell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Central"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Rachael Maskell"} ], "uin" : "293644"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147750", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1147750/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

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>

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>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1466", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Wiltshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Dr Andrew Murrison"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "292969"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T16:08:50.12Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "16"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Foreign and Commonwealth Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "British Nationals Abroad: Prisoners"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what obligations the Government has to protect UK citizens that are held hostage by a foreign government.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4518", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Tulip Siddiq"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hampstead and Kilburn"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Tulip Siddiq"} ], "uin" : "293676"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&max-ddpCreated=2019-10-03T19%3A24%3A01.133Z&answeringDeptSortName=Foreign+and+Commonwealth+Office&published=true&version=1", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 17076, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }