Amendment to support families of British nationals murdered abroad voted down in Commons

A House of Commons amendment to support bereaved families of British nationals murdered abroad has been voted down.

Maidenhead resident Thomas Reeve’s life was tragically cut shot in November 2009, when at the age of 28, the father-of-one died after being shot in a bar in Amarillo, Texas while on a road trip in America.

His stepfather, Brian Millin, has previously spoken of a lack of help from the British Government or consulate at the time.

Two years later, Mr Millin and Thomas’ mother Margaret joined Murdered Abroad, a charity supporting the families of those whose loved ones have been killed abroad.

The charity has been campaigning for several years for these families to receive the same support as families whose loved ones are killed in England and Wales.

Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds has been advocating for families in Parliament and has previously secured an adjournment debate on the issue.

He since put forward an amendment to the Victims and Courts Bill which looked to expand the definition of ‘victim’ to also include bereaved families of British nationals who have been murdered abroad.

The remaining stages of the Bill were debated in the Commons on Monday, and a vote took place on Mr Reynolds’ amendment.

In the chamber, Mr Reynolds said: “[New Clause 12] seeks to add an appendix to the victims’ code so that this group of bereaved families, who currently fall through the cracks in our system, will no longer do so.

“They deserve information, support and the opportunity to be heard. These are not privileges; they are fundamental rights.”

In the chamber, Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Justice, said she remains of the view that the victims’ code ‘is not the right place for these victims to have that framework’, because the code is based on the justice system in England and Wales.

However, she spoke of working with Murdered Abroad and others to create the ‘dedicated framework and guidance on what victims in this country can expect’.

The amendment did not pass, with 164 cross-party MPs voting in favour to 320 voting against.

Reacting to the vote, Mr Millin said: “I think our initial reaction today [Tuesday], because obviously it’s very soon after the debate, is one of disappointment.”

He added that ‘not one Labour MP voted for Josh’s amendment’.

“I can only conclude that the Conservative shadow minister (Dr Kieran Mullan MP) was correct when he said in his debate, for whatever reason, Labour MPs were whipped to not support it. Because I can’t believe there are no Labour MPs that feel the same way.”

“Whilst I say I’m disappointed, I am greatly encouraged [by] how much traction Josh has been able to get in such a short time.”

Mr Millin disagreed with Ms Davies-Jones sentiments that the amendment does not fit the Bill.

He added: “I think if the minister is to believed and she’s broadly supportive, she will have to find somewhere this will fit into legislation.”

Following the debate, Mr Reynolds said: “These families face unimaginable trauma and bureaucratic hurdles, and they deserve the same protections and recognition under the victims’ code as those affected by crimes committed here at home.

“Looking ahead, I am pleased to share that since the vote a meeting is being arranged with the Minister responsible for Victims, alongside representatives from the charity Murdered Abroad.

“This will provide an important opportunity to highlight the real human impact of this gap in our law and to push for meaningful change.

“The campaign has already gained significant cross-party and public support.

“I will continue to press the government to recognise bereaved relatives of British nationals murdered overseas as victims under English and Welsh law.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We are committed to improving support for families affected by homicide abroad.

“When a crime happens overseas, different legal systems mean UK agencies cannot always step in.

"That is why we are working with partners to produce a clear guide for bereaved families, to improve access to information about the help available.”