To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps she has taken to assist the transfer of Michael Shields from Bulgaria to the UK to serve his sentence of imprisonment; and if she will make a statement. (78508)

We fully support Mr. Shields' request to be transferred back to the UK and have advised Mr. Shields and his family on the procedures involved. Officials from our embassy in Sofia have discussed Mr. Shields' transfer with the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice, most recently on 9 June, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Consular staff are also in contact with the Prisoner Transfer Section of the Home Office to facilitate Mr. Shields' return.