UK appoints first special envoy for Britons detained overseas

The Foreign Office has appointed former minister Alistair Burt as the first special envoy for British citizens detained overseas, focusing on complex consular cases.

• The Foreign Office created the role of special envoy for "complex consular cases" involving British nationals detained abroad.
• Alistair Burt, a former Conservative Middle East minister, has taken the post, fulfilling a pledge by David Lammy.
• The Foreign Office said the envoy will provide additional support in cases involving concerns about welfare, due process, or human rights.
• Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Burt brings experience in foreign and consular affairs and will help support detainees and their families.