§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Jack Straw)From a community of around 20,000 in the United Kingdom entitled to immunity, 20 serious offences, allegedly committed by such persons, were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2002. Serious offences are defined in accordance with the 1985 White Paper on32WS Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges, that is as offences that would in certain circumstances carry a penalty of 12 months or more imprisonment.