The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is unable to intervene in matters before the United Kingdom courts to which it is not a party. However, where proceedings are instituted against a diplomatic mission or a member of a mission (e.g. in the Employment Tribunals) it is strongly recommended that the mission advises Protocol Directorate.
Section 4 Certificates in connection with legal proceedings
Section 4 of the Diplomatic Privileges Act 1964 enables the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to certify any fact relating to any question of whether or not any person is entitled to any privilege or immunity under the Act. A request for such a certificate may only come from a court or tribunal, not from other parties involved in the proceedings who may have grounds for making a request. The FCDO will invariably issue Section 4 certificates to both parties to proceedings. However it is for the court to ultimately decide whether or not an individual is entitled to privileges and immunities.