The UK Commons Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) published a report Thursday finding that the FCDO failed to protect UK national Matthew Hedges from torture in United Arab Emirates. This comes following a similar Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s verdict issued on August 3.

The Foreign Affairs Committee’s report draws on the findings of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s investigation into the provision of consular support to Matthew Hedges, who was arbitrarily detained.

The committee highlighted failings in the government’s response to arbitrary detentions, including communication with families, failure to take assertive action in cases of mistreatment or lack of consular access, and a failure to learn from past mistakes. It noted that the government did not accept the majority of its recommendations in the committee’s 2023 state-level hostage-taking report. The report also criticized the government’s culture of defensiveness and lack of responsiveness to criticism.

Recommendations include a review of guidance on torture and mistreatment cases, reassessment of open cases, and the appointment of a Director for Complex and Arbitrary Detentions. The report emphasised the need for improved coordination and support for families and a more assertive approach by the government in cases of mistreatment or denial of consular access.

Matthew Hedges told JURIST that:

The FAC report into institutional failings of the FCDO is both unsurprising and deeply alarming. For years there have been opportunities to learn, develop, and improve the UK’s consular programs. Despite that when citizens are at their most desparate and vulnerable situation, they are often disregarded by their own Government. The FCDO knew how they handled my case, and despite a 4 year Ombudsman investigation and FAC report, I have yet to see any clear change that can help others. Look at the cases of Jagtar Singh in India and Ala And Fattah in Egypt, both left to the whims of their abusers by the UK Govt.

JURIST reached out to the Foreign Office, which declined to comment.

Matthew Hedges spoke to JURIST about his treatment as a detainee in a foreign state, and the UK government’s response, in an interview that was published on October 12.