Diplomatic Missions: Unpaid Charges

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Excerpts

Wednesday 16th July 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

As I have said, there are a range of options available. It has been suggested that we impound diplomatic vehicles—seize them and prevent them being used—and other such measures have been suggested. But for the time being, we continue to raise these issues directly with missions in this country and we think that is the best approach for now.

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

My Lords, I am so sorry but that is far too much patience. This has been going on ever since the congestion charge first came in. They have racked up these debts, and I love the idea from the noble Lord, Lord Harris: we have a record of which cars have infringed the congestion charge—we should clamp them all.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

All I would say is that diplomacy is an art, and it comes more naturally to some than to others, perhaps. We keep this under consideration, but I think it is right that we do not escalate this issue above some of our very real concerns around security, defence and trade that we seek to work very closely with our counterparts on.