Menu
28/06/2012
'Don't Get Locked Up On Holiday' - FCO
The holiday season is upon us and thousands of UK people are looking forward to escaping the floods for a week or two.
But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned tourists not to get locked up abroad and said although it will help when it can, a UK passport is not a get out of jail free card.
New figures reveal that the number of British nationals arrested overseas has risen by 6% in the past year, with UK consulates and embassies around the world spending 35% of their time handling arrest cases.
Spain and the USA show the highest rates of British arrests, with many incidents alcohol-fuelled or drugs-related.
Police in Mallorca and Ibiza have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled disorder offences.
And several high-profile cases recently have seen British people in court for falling foul of Abu Dhabi's strict decency laws.
Minister of State for Consular Affairs, Jeremy Browne, said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. Having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
Holidaymakers should research the laws and customs of their destination by checking the FCO site in advance.
(NE)
But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned tourists not to get locked up abroad and said although it will help when it can, a UK passport is not a get out of jail free card.
New figures reveal that the number of British nationals arrested overseas has risen by 6% in the past year, with UK consulates and embassies around the world spending 35% of their time handling arrest cases.
Spain and the USA show the highest rates of British arrests, with many incidents alcohol-fuelled or drugs-related.
Police in Mallorca and Ibiza have a zero tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled disorder offences.
And several high-profile cases recently have seen British people in court for falling foul of Abu Dhabi's strict decency laws.
Minister of State for Consular Affairs, Jeremy Browne, said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. Having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
Holidaymakers should research the laws and customs of their destination by checking the FCO site in advance.
(NE)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 October 2003
Business to be better informed with FCO scheme
Information on security and political risks around the globe will be more accessible to British business, following a new Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) initiative launched today.
Business to be better informed with FCO scheme
Information on security and political risks around the globe will be more accessible to British business, following a new Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) initiative launched today.
08 December 2014
British Base Jumper Dies In Cliff Fall
A British base jumper has died after plunging from a cliff in Australia. Gareth Jones, 25, from Brighton, fell 90 metres on to a rock platform in Sydney. Two of Mr Jones' friends tried but could not revive him. An FCO spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Manly, New South Wales on December 7.
British Base Jumper Dies In Cliff Fall
A British base jumper has died after plunging from a cliff in Australia. Gareth Jones, 25, from Brighton, fell 90 metres on to a rock platform in Sydney. Two of Mr Jones' friends tried but could not revive him. An FCO spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Manly, New South Wales on December 7.
10 July 2015
FCO Advise Against 'All But Essential' Tunisia Travel
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to Tunisia. It is understood that new information has been received that "another terrorist attack in highly likely". The FCO have advised any British holidaymakers in Tunisia to contact their tour operator to arrange safe return to the UK.
FCO Advise Against 'All But Essential' Tunisia Travel
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to Tunisia. It is understood that new information has been received that "another terrorist attack in highly likely". The FCO have advised any British holidaymakers in Tunisia to contact their tour operator to arrange safe return to the UK.
11 November 2013
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
