§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to partners in the EU concerning provision of legal aid to UK citizens arrested on civil or criminal charges. [156227]
§ Mr. MullinThere is no EU directive in force concerning the provision of legal aid to EU nationals in other member states who have been arrested on civil or criminal charges. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has made no representations on this issue. The provision of legal aid is subject to each member state's domestic law or bilateral agreements with the UK. If a British national detained in an EU country is denied legal aid when that British national believes they have an entitlement, under local law or bilateral agreement, our consular staff stand ready to raise that individual's concerns with the local authorities. Although not affecting the types of cases raised in this question, a new directive concerning legal aid in cross-border civil or commercial disputes will come into effect in November 2004.