LONDON: Folks with diplomatic immunity within the UK allegedly dedicated offences together with sexual assault, indecent publicity and little one cruelty final yr, a British authorities minister mentioned on Thursday (Nov 14).
A complete of 9 “severe and important offences” by suspects with diplomatic safety had been recorded with the overseas ministry in 2023, junior overseas minister Catherine West advised parliament in a written assertion.
They included a Libyan accused of sexual assault, an Iraqi accused of possession or distribution of indecent photographs of youngsters, a Portuguese particular person accused of indecent publicity and somebody from Singapore dealing with an accusation of kid cruelty or neglect.
“The overwhelming majority of diplomats and dependants abide by UK legislation,” mentioned West, referring to the 26,500 individuals in Britain who’ve diplomatic or worldwide organisation-related immunity from prosecution.
She mentioned that when alleged felony conduct is delivered to the ministry’s consideration “we ask the related overseas authorities or worldwide organisation to waive immunity, the place acceptable, to facilitate additional investigation”.
“For probably the most severe offences, and when a related waiver has not been granted, we request the instant withdrawal of the diplomat or dependant,” West added.
CNA has contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs for extra info.
West additionally revealed that diplomatic missions owe greater than £152 million (US$193 million) in unpaid congestion cost charges in London, from its introduction in 2003 to final month.
The US embassy owes greater than £15 million alone. It refuses to pay the £15 day by day cost to enter central London as a result of it views it as a tax from which diplomatic missions ought to be exempt.
Japan owes £10.4 million whereas China owes £9.3 million.
West additionally disclosed that diplomats owed virtually £1.5 million in unpaid parking fines on the finish of June. Saudi Arabia owed probably the most at £196,000, she mentioned.
