Written question asked by Lord Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 January 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 January 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 21 January 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Saudi Arabia: Women

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their representations to the government of Saudi Arabia about the continued detention of women convicted of driving before the ban was lifted, what further action they are taking to secure the release of those detained.

Answer: The British Government remains very concerned about the detention of women's rights activists and allegations that they have been subject to torture during pre-trial detention in Saudi Arabia. We understand they also remain without formal charges. We have raised concerns a number of times about these cases at Ministerial level with the Saudi authorities and will do so again. We consistently and unreservedly condemn torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Secondary information