To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the creation of the European Union External Action Service on the promotion of Her Majesty's foreign policy and the provision of assistance and protection to British citizens abroad. [HL1549]

The Declarations accompanying the Treaty of Lisbon state that the treaty’s provisions covering common foreign and security policy will not affect the existing legal basis, responsibilities and powers of each member state in relation to the formulation and conduct of its foreign policy and its national diplomatic service. However, the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) does present us with a real opportunity to improve the coherence and effectiveness of agreed EU action on the world stage and the Government will work with the High Representative towards this end.

Helping British nationals in difficulty overseas is a vital part of the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). FCO staff work 24 hours a day, all year round to provide high-quality help to the British public around the world. We welcome the support and close co-operation between the EU and member states.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong has approached the Consulate General of Nepal to inform it that in connection with applications for British citizenship, British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to Hong Kong who were born in Nepal, have a parent who holds Nepalese citizenship or have lived in Nepal at any time for more than five years will be expected to submit personalised letters from the Nepalese authorities stating whether they hold Nepalese citizenship or nationality, whether they previously held Nepalese citizenship or nationality, and the date on which the person ceased to hold Nepalese citizenship or nationality and why; and, if not, whether they will write to the Nepalese Consulate General explaining the requirement for the letters and request it to issue such letters, and place a copy in the Library of the House together with any response received. [HL1644]

The Nepalese authorities regularly issue the letters. There is therefore no need to make representations to the Consulate General of Nepal.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong has approached the Consulate General of Pakistan to inform it that in connection with applications for British citizenship, British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to Hong Kong who were born in Pakistan, have a parent who holds Pakistani citizenship or have lived in Pakistan at any time for more than five years, will be expected to submit personalised letters from the Pakistani authorities stating whether they hold Pakistani citizenship or nationality, whether they previously held Pakistani citizenship or nationality, and the date on which the person ceased to hold Pakistani citizenship or nationality and why; and, if not, whether they will write to the Pakistani Consulate General explaining the requirement for the letters and request it to issue such letters, and place a copy in the Library of the House together with any response received. [HL1684]

The British Consulate-General in Hong Kong has approached the Pakistani High Commission on this issue. The Pakistani Consul has confirmed they have no objection to issuing these letters. There is no requirement for further correspondence.