Diplomatic Immunity and Diplomatic Premises
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance outlines the immunities granted to diplomatic staff and their dependents under international conventions and UK law. It details the conditions for immunity, the status of dependents, and procedural requirements surrounding the investigation and prosecution of individuals with diplomatic immunity. The guidelines clarify the jurisdictional limitations and responsibilities of law enforcement and prosecutors in cases involving diplomatic personnel.
Key points
- Immunities for diplomatic staff are based on international law and UK statutes.
- Diplomatic agents enjoy complete inviolability while in office.
- Dependents of diplomatic staff may also receive immunity under certain conditions.
- Criminal immunity is not absolute and depends on the nature of the alleged crime.
- There are specific protocols for waiving immunity for prosecution purposes.
- Offences on diplomatic premises are subject to English law, with respect to diplomatic immunity.
Public-interest factors
- Protection of diplomatic relations
- Upholding the rule of law
- Ensuring accountability for serious crimes
- Respecting international agreements
- Maintaining public safety
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.