asked Her Majesty's Government:

To which categories of people they issue diplomatic passports; and on the basis of what criteria. [HL1233]

The following British nationals are eligible for diplomatic passports:

members of Her Majesty's (HM) Diplomatic Service accredited as diplomatic staff at UK Missions overseas;

members of other government departments and the British Council, accredited as diplomatic staff at UK missions overseas; and

governors of overseas territories and the staff of such governors who are members of HM Diplomatic Service; and accompanying British dependants of any of the above who are resident at UK missions overseas.

Diplomatic status is granted in accordance with the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).