UK envoy warns that state hostage-taking on the rise

The UK's newly appointed special envoy for complex consular affairs, Alistair Burt, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of state hostage-taking. During a meeting with foreign affairs committee MPs, Burt warned that this issue is on the rise, but stressed the importance of building international alliances to prevent such incidents. He highlighted meetings with counterparts from the Five Eyes Group and Gulf states to strengthen collaboration against state hostage-taking.

Burt, who previously served as the UK's Minister for the Middle East, emphasized that his role would involve providing greater support for families of arbitrarily detained individuals or those facing cruel treatment in prison. He also aims to advise the government on alternative solutions for securing the release of detained persons. An example cited was the high-profile case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who were held in an Iranian prison under false espionage charges.

While acknowledging the work done by existing consular services, Burt stressed that the new envoy's role should not replace their efforts. He cautioned against the role becoming an 'excuse' for inaction by the government, echoing the concerns raised by detained British citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Burt acknowledged the frustration faced by families of hostages, stating that the ultimate success would be the return of their loved ones, a matter beyond the control of the UK.