Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following reports of the arrest, detention, torture and alleged murder of gay men in Chechnya, whether they will undertake discussion in the EU Council of Ministers and with the EU High Representative to explore what action can be taken to resolve that situation, including the release of those detained; whether they will call for an independent investigation into those responsible for the detention, torture and alleged murders; and whether they will discuss in the Council and with the EU High Representative punitive action, including a travel ban, should the issue not be resolved swiftly.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.