Local MP Caroline Dinenage has urged the Government to continue putting pressure on the Dubai authorities in their search for missing Gosport sailor, Timmy MacColl, during questions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office this afternoon.
Leading Seaman Timmy MacColl tragically disappeared in Dubai on Sunday 27th May 2012, where his ship, HMS Westminster, was berthed at Port Rashid for a short visit.
Seeking assurances following the first anniversary of LS MacColls' disappearance, Caroline asked:
"It's now over a year since LS Timmy MacColl went missing in Dubai leaving a young family behind in my Gosport constituency. I know the Minister has taken a personal interest in this case but will he assure me that he will keep pressure on the Dubai police to continue giving this matter both the attention and the resources it deserves?"
The Minister for Asia and the Middle East, Alistair Burt, expressed his agreement and replied:
"I thank my honourable friend for that. This is an extremely distressing case for the family; I was in Dubai recently and met with the chief of the Dubai police. We discussed the case and are continuing through our representatives there to urge the authorities to do all they can to see what if any light they can shed on this sad disappearance."
Speaking outside the Chamber, Caroline added:
"My heart goes out to Timmy's wife Rachael and their three young children during this incredibly difficult time.
This is a complex case, with the Dubai Police leading the investigation in collaboration with British agencies and my team remains in touch with Rachael and the rest of the family on a regular basis.
I know the family have received support from the FCO in their dealings with the Dubai Authorities and I will continue to keep the pressure on the Foreign Office to ensure channels of communication between Dubai and the UK are as open and efficient as possible and in order to help move this case forward."
Since Timmy's disappearance, Caroline has regularly raised this case; chairing a press conference with the MacColl family, facilitating meetings with ministerial colleagues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence and continues to campaign on behalf of the family.
