Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Uma Kumaran (Labour) on Thursday, 15 October 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Russia: Abduction

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department can take through diplomatic channels to establish the whereabouts and welfare of British children believed to have been taken to Russia by a parent without the consent of the other parent.

Answer: The Government takes International Parental Child Abduction extremely seriously. When we are made aware of a child's abduction to Russia or any other country, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will contact the relevant authorities in that country to express our official interest in court cases and social service activities, where appropriate, and we will support the left behind parent with country specific information.

Secondary information