Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 9 November (HL2740), whether they consider that the remarks by the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons on 11 October set a precedent; and whether they have considered possible adverse consequences for British Embassy staff if foreign governments encourage demonstrations outside UK embassies overseas.

The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson)'s words reflected overwhelming concern at Russia's actions in Syria which are contributing to the violence in that country. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office takes the security of all staff overseas very seriously, in line with duty of care obligations, and regularly reviews security at missions overseas including when there are demonstrations outside of our premises.