SAMANTHA OROBATOR

Early day motion 1550, tabled 1 June 2009 by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 29 members.

That this House is seriously concerned by the incarceration of the pregnant Briton Samantha Orobator, currently detained in deplorable prison conditions in Laos; is concerned for Samantha's health given the poor dietary provisions in Laos prisons; voices its concern that it has not been possible to ascertain how Samantha became pregnant four months after her arrest; notes that Samantha has not been granted adequate access to counsel; further notes that the Laos authorities have moved Samantha's trial date on numerous occasions, causing distress to Samantha and making her legal defence difficult; further notes that due to Samantha's pregnancy it will be unsafe for Samantha to fly after 6 June 2009; and calls on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all it can to ensure that the Laos authorities set an immediate trial date as a matter of urgency and ensure that Samantha returns to the UK before 6 June 2009.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 8, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.