Diplomatic Immunity

HC Deb 18 March 1987 vol 112 cc547-8W

45. Mr. Robert C. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make it his policy to seek a review of the Vienna convention to enable the tightening of international agreements to combat the abuse of diplomatic immunity.

Mr. Eggar

We agreed (Cmnd. 9497) with the report in 1984 of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons on the abuse of diplomatic immunities and privileges that it would be wrong to regard amendment of the Vienna convention as the solution to the problem of abuse of diplomatic immunities in view of the difficulties of achieving any restrictive amendment and the doubtful net benefit even if we were successful. That remains our view. We further agreed with the Committee's recommendation that we should apply the existing provisions of the convention more firmly. We continue to attach importance to this. The Diplomatic Corps is well aware of the serious view which we take of abuses of diplomatic immunity.

50. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how often he meets the doyen of the Diplomatic Corps; what matters he discusses with him; and whether, at his last meeting, he discussed abuses of diplomatic privilege.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. and learned Friend meets the doyen on a variety of occasions. The issues they have discussed have included aspects of the abuse of diplomatic privileges and immunities. However, we think it more appropriate that particular cases of alleged abuse should be discussed direct with the head of mission or missions concerned.

51. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which Governments he has made representations about standards of diplomatic behaviour, particularly concerning the aiding and abetting of terrorists.

Mr. Eggar

All heads of mission in London are well aware of the stringent standards of behaviour which we expect of diplomats and of the grave view which we take of terrorist activity.

We are determined to deal decisively with states that sponsor terrorism. On two occasions, the murder of WPC Fletcher and the attempt by Nezar Hindawi to blow up an airliner, the responsibility of the Libyan and Syrian authorities respectively was clear beyond doubt. In both instances we decided to sever diplomatic relations.