Priti Patel asked Parliamentary Questions regarding bilateral relations between UK and UAE, and the ongoing case of Asa Hutchinson

On 26th February, Priti Patel of the Conservative Party asked the following question:

"To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which bilateral contacts have taken place between his Department and representatives from the United Arab EmiratesGovernment in the last three months; and what further such contacts are planned."

To which Alistair Burt, the Minister of State for International Developed and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, replied:

"The Government has a close relationship with the United Arab Emirates. The bilateral relationship is strengthened by regular contacts at all levels and we look forward to this continuing.

A key element of our relationship is the bi-annual UK-UAE Taskforce which I co-chair with my Emirati counterpart. The next is due on 28 February in London."

On the same day, Patel also asked 

"To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the case of Asa Hutchinson has been discussed at meetings between Ministers of his Department and representatives from the United Arab Emirates Government; and whether any such future meetings are planned at which that case will be discussed."

To which Alistair Burt replied,

"We continue to provide consular assistance to Miss Hutchinson and are in contact with her family, lawyer and the local authorities in Dubai. Consular issues affecting British nationals in the United Arab Emirates form part of our bilateral talks."