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Mexico

Volume 508: debated on Monday 22 March 2010

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the level of violence in Mexico; and how many British citizens are (a) in jail and (b) awaiting trial in Mexico. (323294)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) receives regular reporting from the British embassy on various topics including the security situation in Mexico. This reporting is based on information shared with US, EU and other partners, and from the Mexican authorities.

Even with the regrettably high levels of violence in some parts of Mexico, tackling the drugs cartels and organised crime there is vital. Most recently, Members of the House may have seen reporting in the press of a tragic incident killing three individuals related to the US Consulate in Ciudad Juarez. I am sure you will join me in offering condolences to all those affected, in addition to the messages already given by our ambassador in Mexico and by our embassy in Washington.

The FCO Travel Advice is kept under constant review in light of new information, and on 18 March this was upgraded to advise against all but essential travel to Ciudad Juarez.

There are currently no British citizens in jail or awaiting trial in Mexico.