A Singaporean diplomat in London was reprimanded for leaving his children home alone, leading to an investigation by local authorities.
A Singapore government officer posted at the Singapore High Commission in London was counselled and issued a warning after leaving his children alone at home while they were asleep, to pick up his spouse in the evening. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the incident in response to queries from The Straits Times. It was highlighted in the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s annual report, which details offenses committed by those with diplomatic immunity.
The incident took place in September 2023, when one of the children woke up and left the house to search for their parents. The child was found nearby, prompting a police response. While the child’s exact age was not disclosed, the incident raised concerns about potential child neglect. The local authorities involved in the case closed the investigation, deeming no further follow-up was needed.
MFA confirmed that the officer fully cooperated with the investigation and did not invoke diplomatic immunity. The officer’s posting in London has since concluded as scheduled.
