Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department most recently reviewed the effectiveness of its hostage policy; and what updates it made to its approach to recovering British nationals held overseas as a result of that review.

Consular policies are regularly reviewed. As set out in our guide on 'Support for British nationals abroad', the UK can provide consular support to the families of British nationals kidnapped overseas, including remaining in contact with the family and keeping them up to date with the situation as far as possible. We will try to do everything we properly can to make sure British nationals kidnapped are released safely. Where we can, we will work with the government in that country. We will not make substantive concessions to hostage takers such as paying a ransom, changing government policy or releasing prisoners. In some cases, British police may appoint a UK family liaison officer in which case our team will work closely with the local police force involved. We can also put families in touch with other specialist organisations such as Hostage International. When a British hostage is released, we will meet them and help them make contact with their family and with arranging travel to the UK.