Written question asked by Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 December 2025 (named day). It was answered by Seema Malhotra (Labour) on Monday, 1 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Vietnam: Political Prisoners

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Vietnamese counterpart on the recent imprisonment of Kim Som Rinh, Thach Nga and Thach Xuan Dong; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their release.

Answer: The Foreign Secretary raised human rights including freedom of religion and belief with Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung on 30 October, building on my own discussions with the Vice Foreign Minister on 13 October. Our new UK-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to continue sincere, frank and constructive dialogue on human rights issues, including through the UN Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Reviews. The UK will continue to raise specific cases of concern including through the work of the UK envoy on Freedom of Religion and Belief, David Smith MP.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94696
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Political prisoners Vietnam Nga, Thach Rinh, Kim Som Xuan Dong, Thach
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk