KEETCH QUESTIONS THE FOREIGN SECRETARY OVER THE MURDER OF RICHARD COLLINS

1.43.19pm GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

Local MP, Paul Keetch yesterday questioned the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw MP over the tragic murder of his constituent, Richard Collins last March in Krabi, Thailand. With just over a year since Richard's murder, his mother Yvonne Hart is still awaiting answers from the Thai Authorities and the Foreign Office as to why Richard's body was not carefully cared for in Thailand.

The Foreign Secretary was in the House of Commons yesterday to launch the publication of the first-ever comprehensive guide to the Government's support for British nationals in difficulty abroad.

Commenting Mr Keetch said:

"Although, I welcome the publication of this report, it does little to address the problems experienced by Mrs Hart and her family. I think it is appalling that Richard's body was not kept properly and, consequently, within days it was unrecognisable. It is of paramount importance that in future, consular officials overseas have standing instruction that, when British nationals are murdered abroad every effort is made to ensure the bodies are properly maintained.

In answering, the Foreign Secretary confirmed:

"I am happy to give the standing instruction but with the caveat that it depends not only on consular staff but, above all, on the relevant local authorities."

"I welcome the Foreign Secretary's response, but I feel that it has been too late in coming to heal the trauma and heartache Mr Collins' family have suffered in the past twelve months," Mr Keetch added.

Full text of the exchange in the House of Commons

Mr. Paul Keetch (Hereford) (LD): The Foreign Secretary will recall the tragic murder of my constituent, Mr. Richard Collins, on 8 March last year in Thailand. The right hon. Gentleman kindly arranged for my constituent's mother, Yvonne Hart, and I to visit officials. He will remember that one of the most appalling aspects of the case was that Richard's body was not kept properly and, consequently, within days, it was not only unrecognisable but had deteriorated to such an extent that a proper investigation could not be conducted into the cause of death. Will he ensure that, in future, consul officials overseas have a standing instruction that, when British nationals are murdered, they should try to make sure that the body is properly maintained not only for investigation but identification purposes? Surely that is not an unrealistic expectation.

Mr. Straw: I am happy to give that standing instruction but with the caveat that it depends not only on consular staff but, above all, on the relevant local authorities.