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Written question asked by Baroness Coffey (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

COE Parliamentary Assembly: Visas

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government why members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe were required to have visas to attend the Parliamentary Assembly Conference on Artificial Intelligence in London in December 2025.

Answer

All individuals visiting the UK – with the exception of British nationals, Irish nationals, and those exempt from immigration control – are required to obtain the appropriate entry clearance or permission in advance of travel.

The UK has a range of agreements and treaties with recognised international organisations, including the Council of Europe, which set out the privileges and immunities afforded to specified categories of persons. However, these agreements do not extend exemption from immigration control to members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and, as such, standard processes apply.

HM Government keeps its policy on exemption from immigration control under review. Exemption from immigration control is only extended where it is considered necessary, proportionate and justified. There are currently no plans to amend the arrangements to provide exemption from immigration control for members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe attending meetings in the UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1149
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Greater London Conferences Visas COE Parliamentary Assembly Artificial intelligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk