Question reference: S5W-21300
- Asked by: Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 30 January 2019
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 26 February 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding informing the families or next of kin of resident Scots who have died abroad in suspicious circumstances; how Police Scotland cooperates with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding this, and what plans it has to improve the effectiveness of the processes.
Answer
Police Scotland receive notification regarding a death abroad in a number of ways, including direct contact from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), information from family members and, occasionally, media interest.
While it is the responsibility of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to support bereaved families of those who have died abroad, Police Scotland may become involved in certain circumstances.
However, I do not believe that the current system is wholly satisfactory and I am keen to explore this issue further. I also await with interest the report from the All–party UK Parliamentary Group on Deaths Abroad and Consular Services and Assistance. I am keen to explore this issue further.