British Nationals Sentenced to Death Overseas

HL Deb 15 March 2002 vol 632 cc105-6WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the relevant authorities in the United States concerning the four British citizens (Messrs Hansel, Mahary, Elliot and Richey) now on "death row" who have already served a total of 58 years of imprisonment. [HL2911]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)

HMG take a very close interest in British nationals sentenced to death overseas. HMG oppose the imposition of the death penalty in all cases.

The Foreign Secretary contacted the Governor of Georgia and the State Board of Paroles and Pardons to urge them to commute Mr Housel's sentence to a term of imprisonment.

Ministers have urged the State Attorney of Florida not to pursue the re-instatement of the death penalty at Mr Maharaj's forthcoming re-sentencing trial.

We are working closely with Mr Elliot's lawyers to ensure that we make representations at the most appropriate time.

We are unable to make any specific representations on behalf of Mr Richey because he is not a British national.