§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British prisoners have been incarcerated abroad for more than two years without trial, broken down by country. [68466]
§ Mr. StrawWe are aware of six British nationals who have been detained overseas for two or more years without trial. All six are held in Spain. Spanish law states that a detainee must come to trial within two years, but this period can be extended to four years 'under exceptional circumstances'. All six detainees have legal representation and have been offered full consular assistance throughout their detention.