Written evidence
Memorandum submitted by the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office
CONSULAR CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN THE FCO
1. Our diplomatic missions overseas have
contingency plans for handling consular emergencies. Traditionally,
these have focused very largely on events such as natural disasters
(earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), major civil disturbances leading
to the evacuation of foreign nationals, and major accidents (rail,
air, ferry) involving British citizens. But the terrorist attacks
in New York and Bali, and the hostage-taking in a Moscow theatre
introduced important new considerations. There is clearly a risk
of further terrorist attacks world-wide that are designed to inflict
massive civilian casualties. The FCO has therefore been reviewing
as a matter of urgency how to ensure that our resources are used
flexibly and to maximum effect by providing the highest possible
level of consular assistance.
2. The ability of our Embassies and High
Commissions to cope with emergencies depends on the nature of
an event, its location and the Post's own resources: 57% of our
overseas Posts have fewer than five UK-based staff, and some have
none. There is a risk that even the largest Post could be overwhelmed.
We have therefore set up the first of three Rapid Deployment Teams
that can be despatched within twenty-four hours to support Posts
when a major consular crisis occurs. The focus is on flexibility,
whilst erring on the cautious side: It is better to have too many
rather than too few staff on the spot. Numbers can be scaled back
quickly if they are not required.
3. Each Rapid Deployment Team will be led
by a senior Diplomatic Service officer and will comprise about
eight staff, equipped with IT and other communications equipment.
The precise size and composition of the team will depend on the
circumstances, but they will include a core of staff with consular
experience and organisational skills. Experts in counter-terrorism
and security issues will reinforce the teams as necessary. The
teams will be under the overall charge of the Head of Post. Their
role will include providing help to British nationals affected
by the incident, including the families of victims; establishing
links with the local authorities and emergency services; and ensuring
efficient co-operation with other British agencies such as the
Police who may be called to the scene. If appropriate, a Police
liaison officer will be included in the Rapid Deployment Teams.
4. A pool of volunteers is being established
to staff the three teams. We are concentrating initially on people
who already have the necessary skills and experience. Specific
training is being designed so that more staff will be available
to join the teams. Dry-run exercises and regular testing of equipment
will be important components of this new structure.
We are also reviewing the structure for managing
crises at the London end, to take account of the variety and number
of events that can occur at any one time.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5 November 2002
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