PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Russia: Football (16 May 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the member of British diplomatic staff with prime responsibility for the safety of UK fans at the 2018 World Cup has been expelled from Russia; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour)

As my Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary said in the House on 15 May, it is Russia's responsibility to ensure the safety of all fans travelling to the World Cup. We will continue to work to ensure British nationals travelling have the best support possible and will have consular staff based in every city that England will play in. A number of staff across government are working on preparations for the World Cup; not all are based in Russia. As the Foreign Secretary said in his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 21 March, a member of the Diplomatic Service responsible for fan safety was expelled. An experienced consular official in the British Embassy in Russia has taken over the fan safety responsibilities within Russia.

Answered by:
Dame Harriett Baldwin (Conservative)
21 May 2018