The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reported that to date it had received no allegations of enforced disappearance, but it would take swift and appropriate action to deal with any instances of enforced disappearance that came to light. The United Kingdom had comprehensive legal safeguards to prevent such an occurrence. To that end, extensive details were provided on the protection provided for individuals in police and prison custody, and of other relevant provisions in the criminal justice system, inter alia , concerning the right of any detainee to have someone informed of his arrest, to speak to a solicitor and to have independent legal advice free of charge. Exercise of those rights might be delayed in connection with a serious arrestable offence, but the delay in notification of arrest must not exceed 36 hours from the time of arrival at the police station or 48 hours in the case of suspects held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1989. Prisoners were allowed to make two phone calls, to write to whomsoever they wished and would be interviewed within 24 hours by the prison governor, the prison chaplain and a probation officer.
Prisoners have the right to make an application for habeas corpus.