Meeting in Parliament with Baroness Symons, Head of Consular Services

1st April 2004

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, Foreign Office Minister met with the parents of the late Jeremiah Duggan and a delegation led by Lord Janner Baron of Braunstone in a meeting at the House of Commons on the 1\4\2004. Lord Janner expressed the urgency of getting a full investigation into how a young British national was killed in mysterious circumstances in Germany. Dr Rudi Vis, MP for Finchley and Golders Green who had requested the meeting, outlined public disquiet about how such a death could possibly be linked to a political organization which has been documented as being anti-Semitic, and a political sect.

Baroness Symons questioned the Duggans to establish the facts of the case. She heard from the Family’s solicitor Jackie Turner from Christian Khan Solicitors, representing the family at the British Inquest. Rabbi Danny Rich, Kingston Liberal Synagogue, now Head of the Liberal and Progressive Judaism in Great Britain, gave a personal recommendation of Jeremiah whom he had known from a young age. Rabbi Rich described Jeremiah as a gentle, caring and idealistic young man and vouched for the fact that Jeremiah had never shown the slightest signs of suicidal tendencies. Mention was made of the letter from Henry Grunwald The President of the Jewish Board of Deputies which had been written to Baroness Symons supporting the request of the Duggans for an investigation.

Mr Wong, from the Jubilee Campaign, a Christian Human Rights Organisation raised the question that if individuals or organisations with anti-semitic agendas were involved in Jeremiah’s death it is crucial that re-investigation takes place to expose these people/organisation to prevent them persecuting other members of the Jewish community. He stated that “There is enough evidence of foul play and that the fact that this case has not been fully investigated makes this an important human rights issue.”

Baroness Symons gave her promise that she would act immediately to offer whatever help is available through the Foreign Office. Baroness Symons promised that speedy action would be taken.

She hoped to appoint a Pro Bono Queens Council barrister who would travel to Germany and seek out the most suitable lawyers to assist the family. The family were expected to pay for whatever action was needed in Germany through the legal channels. Baroness Symons later stated in a letter to Mr Rudi Vis that there were witness statements. There is a letter from the German Prosecutor stating no formal witness statements exist.

At the Press Conference following the meeting Dr Rudi Vis announced the future launch of the:

“Justice for Jeremiah” campaign 

Jeremiah Duggan died on the 27th March 2003 near Wiesbaden.

The Campaign wants to determine why that was the case.

The Campaign aims at fighting anti-Semitism and particularly organised anti-Semitism. Furthermore the campaign aims to include investigations into organizations which indoctrinate young people. 

WE WILL SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF ALL GOOD PEOPLE WHO DETEST ANTI-SEMITISM AND WHO WILL FIGHT IT WITH US.

THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE COSTLY AND WE WILL WELCOME ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THOSE ON OUR SIDE.

THE JEREMIAH DUGGAN MEMORIAL FUND
BM JERRY LONDON
WC1N 3XX 

Retrospective Comment on Affairs.

At no time following this meeting did the British Foreign Office support the family in their request to the Germans to open full investigations. The reason given for the Foreign office not supporting the family’s request for a full investigation was that Britain cannot interfere in the legal affairs of a member state.