Written question asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UK Independence Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009.

Qatar

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the Government of Qatar their reasons for detaining Mr and Mrs Martin Wright in that country without support.

Answer: There is an ongoing legal investigation involving Mr Wright in Qatar. Mr and Mrs Wright are not being held in detention, and we understand Mrs Wright has been able to leave the country. Our primary concern is Mr Wright's welfare and we have raised his case with the Qatari authorities at a senior level on several occasions. While we cannot interfere in the legal process of another sovereign state, we have expressed our hope to the Qatari authorities that the investigation will be dealt with quickly. Our consular staff in Doha continue to offer consular support to Mr Wright.

Secondary information