Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they sought assurances from the government of Thailand that a death sentence would not be imposed upon the men accused of the murder of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller prior to the provision of evidence by United Kingdom police forces; and why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office declined to comment to <i>The Guardian</i> on that issue.

The Home Office provided a specific authorisation to UK police officers for assistance to be provided overseas to the Royal Thai Police should it be requested and conditional upon assurances regarding the death penalty being received where required. No such assistance was requested or given under or by virtue of that authorisation. Police to police co-operation in accordance with published guidance, on any other basis, is an operational matter for the relevant police forces. It is inappropriate for Her Majesty's Government to publicly comment upon ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions.