UK Diplomats Overseas: Security (Hansard, 19 July 2000)

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, the safety of staff is our prime concern. A thorough review of the terrorist threat to all our missions overseas was conducted last year. A programme of increased protective measures is being undertaken where those are considered necessary.
We are thoroughly examining the events surrounding the murder of Brigadier Saunders. We shall ensure that any lessons learnt are reflected in our application of security measures in Athens and more widely. I am unable to give details without affecting the security of staff overseas.

§ Viscount Waverley
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. While effective diplomacy does carry risks, and with the fortress approach not being an option, how can United Kingdom diplomats avoid being a soft target in an era of international terrorism and given that the Americans have battened down the hatches? More specifically, as the murder was Kosovo driven, will the Minister ensure that front-line diplomats are suitably protected from contentious policy issues?

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, first, perhaps I can say straight away that it is of the utmost importance to Her Majesty's Government, as it has been important to every government before us, to secure the well-being of our diplomats who serve us so bravely abroad. Secondly, this wicked murder demonstrates the real service that our diplomats give to this country and the risks in which they place themselves on a daily basis. Regrettably, that is all too rarely acknowledged.
1010 However, in line with that we have undertaken the most rigorous reviews. There was a review as a result of the Dar es Salaam incident in 1998 when a matrix was developed to try to identify those missions which may be at most risk of collateral damage. That informed our policy. We have made sure that those issues continue to be examined and we shall spend sufficient money to ensure that they are addressed. This Government have made a large commitment—an additional £22 million—to the security of our people and every penny is well spent.

§ Lord Mackie of Benshie
My Lords, does the Minister believe that the measures taken by the host countries in many cases are sufficient to protect diplomats?

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, we ascertain what measures are in place. That is a factor which is played into our security assessment so that when deciding the level of protection a specific post should have, we are conscious of the security protection provided by the host community. We also look at the mission's proximity to other missions which may also be subject to threat to enable us to make an assessment of the risk of any collateral damage to our mission. It is therefore a matter of which we are very much aware. We take it extremely seriously and try to factor it into our thinking as well as we can.

§ Lord Howell of Guildford
My Lords, will the noble Baroness accept that we on this side totally associate ourselves with the sentiments she expressed in relation to this tragedy? Also, we welcome her comments about increased security for our diplomats. That underlines what I said from this Dispatch Box the other day: diplomacy today is becoming a dangerous occupation and those who fulfil those duties are extremely brave people Although I recognise that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has done a fair amount in recent years to increase security for ambassadors and their staff, can the noble Baroness reassure us that any extra money will be used to increase security further? In that way we can try to prevent, although it may never be completely possible, the kind of horrific tragedy that occurred in Athens with Brigadier Saunders.

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, I welcome the comments of the noble Lord and entirely associate myself with them. It is right that we continue this effort and I can assure the noble Lord that our energy will be properly directed to that end.

Lord Acton
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the widow of Brigadier Saunders, Mrs Heather Saunders, and her two daughters visited your Lordships' House yesterday and that all who met them were deeply impressed by their courage and dignity? On leaving, Mrs Saunders expressed their great joy at the day they had spent here. Might it not be appropriate to send a message to the Saunders family 1011 expressing your Lordships' pleasure at their enjoyment and sending the family the good wishes of your Lordships' House?

Noble Lords
Hear, hear!

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, I can assure my noble friend that I was so aware. Indeed, I was privileged to be able to meet and spend some time with both Mrs Saunders and her daughters. We have much to be grateful for. They are great British people and great ambassadors for Britain. They have shown the sort of courage and tenacity that no one could have expected them to demonstrate in these circumstances. It was a small thing that they were able to come here, but I know that the whole House will join me in sending them our heartfelt best wishes. We wish them Godspeed in coming to terms with this terrible, wicked tragedy.

Noble Lords
Hear! Hear!

§ Lord Roper
My Lords, perhaps I may associate these Benches with the tributes paid to the family of Brigadier Saunders and to the members of the Diplomatic Service, and those from other departments who work with them, who have to put up with very difficult circumstances. Cannot more be done through co-operation with our partners in the European Union to deal with the causes of terrorism, which lead to situations such as the assassination of Brigadier Saunders?

§ Baroness Scotland of Asthal
My Lords, the noble Lord makes a very good point. This issue is being considered by a number of our partners. It is a tragic reality that terrorism is now truly international. It is something with which, regrettably, we have all to deal.