§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanFrom a community of around 20,000 in the United Kingdom entitled to immunity, 16 serious offences, allegedly committed by such persons, were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2003. "Serious offences" are defined in accordance with the 1985 White Paper on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges—that is, as offences that would in certain circumstances, carry a penalty of 12 months or more imprisonment.