Yemen (Hansard, 16 February 1999)

§ 23. Ms Moran
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he will take to ensure that British citizens arrested in Yemen receive a fair trial. [69444]

§ Mr. Fatchett
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary left Prime Minister Iryani in no doubt about our serious concern that the British nationals arrested in Yemen be subject to the due process of law in open court, with our consular staff in attendance. We have discussed our concerns with Prime Minister Iryani on three separate occasions. The trial began on 27 January. We are monitoring the proceedings.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from other countries concerning the situation in Yemen. [70398]

§ Mr. Fatchett
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has received no representations from other countries about the situation in Yemen, but has stayed in close touch with the Yemenis.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are currently in detention in Yemen. [70397]

§ Mr. Fatchett
On 16 February 1999 there were eight British nationals in trial in Yemen.

§ Mr. Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate how many British citizens are currently in Yemen. [70396]

§ Mr. Fatchett
There are 373 British nationals currently registered with the British Embassy in Sana'a. Allowing for others not registered it is estimated that the total number of British nationals based in Yemen may be around 400.
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