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Scots families who have lost loved ones abroad to unite to demand better Foreign Office support

Kirsty Maxwell (Police Scotland/PA Wire)
Kirsty Maxwell (Police Scotland/PA Wire)

FAMILIES who have lost loved ones abroad will unite to demand better support and information from the Foreign Office.

Hannah Bardell MP, who has been campaigning on behalf of the families still seeking answers over unexplained deaths, has promised to apply “as much pressure as we can”.

We told last week how the Livingston politician is supporting the family of Kirsty Maxwell, who died a year ago after falling from apartments in Spain. Yesterday, the SNP MP said: “The families know this won’t bring their loved ones back, but they want justice and to feel that the death wasn’t in vain.

“We need to draw together the experiences of families and look at what can be done, how we can put pressure on the government.”

How many more families will be left abandoned by Foreign Office and unable to grieve, asks MP Hannah Bardell

Michael Porter, whose mum, Jean Hanlon, passed away in suspicious circumstances in Crete nine years ago is also backing the campaign.

This will be followed by evidence sessions over the summer months, where loved ones such as Michael Porter will have one-to-one meetings with Hannah.

Jean Hanlon

A letter will be delivered to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson this week detailing their plans.

“It is to give a forum to families and have their voices heard in Parliament,” Bardell continued.

“There is no other way. It’s been almost 10 years for Michael’s family and still they have no answers. How can that be right?”

One year on, family of Scot Kirsty Maxwell fight on for the truth as judge threatens to close Benidorm balcony fall case

Michael, 33, added: “There is an extremely bad rapport and communication between the Foreign Office and families when someone dies abroad – and there is no legal aid, no funding and no translation costs.

“The fact Hannah is doing this is great and we will do all we can to back her.

“This isn’t only about my mum, but for all the people who have lost someone abroad.”