To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Foreign Affairs Committee's Fifth Report of Session 2014–15, Support for British nationals abroad: The Consular Service, HC 516, whether it is now standard practice for all calls to family members from consular staff dealing with any kind of death abroad to be followed by an email or letter restating the information provided.
Answered on
21 November 2022
When speaking to a bereaved family member following any kind of death abroad, it is standard procedure for consular officers to follow up the initial call with an email, summarising the advice and key information offered in the call. Consular staff support bereaved families by ensuring they have access to written practical information, including bereavement packs, tailored for each country and setting out the specific local processes and practical steps that need to be taken, as well as the FCDO public guide on coping with death abroad.