MP highlights detained Briton's case

The MP with McCulloch's parents Mattie and Donnie

The fate of a Scottish researcher who was arrested in a remote province of Indonesia has been raised in the Commons.

Dr Lesley McCulloch has been in detention since she and a friend were seized by troops in September.

She claims to have been threatened, sexually harassed and prevented from talking to British Embassy staff.

Her parents' MP, Alan Reid, highlighted her case during a debate in the House of Commons on Thursday.

Some have suggested to me that the government is soft-pedalling because they want to maintain good trade relations with Indonesia

Alan Reid MP

He urged the UK Government to put pressure on the Indonesian government to help Dr McCulloch, from Dunoon in Argyll.

She and American nurse Joy Lee Sadler have been held since 11 September over the alleged misuse of tourist visas.

They were detained in the remote northern province of Aceh, where rebels are fighting for independence from Indonesia.

There had been warnings that the pair could be tried for supporting the Free Aceh Movement.

The police investigation concluded this week that they should be charged only with visa violations.

However, fears remain that Dr McCulloch could yet be charged with espionage.

Hours of interrogation

In an interview from her prison cell, she maintained her innocence.

Dr McCulloch also criticised the British authorities, who she accuses of neglecting her well being.

Mr Reid, the Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll and Bute, told the Commons that Dr McCulloch had been forced to sign a confession after hours of interrogation.

I flatly deny the allegation and I am very angered by it

Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien

He urged the government to "improve her conditions of detention... ensure her safety... and to release her quickly to allow her to leave the country".

Mr Reid accused the Foreign Office of failing to provide adequate consular support.

"Some have suggested to me that the government is soft-pedalling because they want to maintain good trade relations with Indonesia, especially regarding arms sales," he said.

This was described as "the worst sort of cheap-shot party politics on a serious issue" by Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien.

"I flatly deny the allegation and I am very angered by it," he said.

Recent visit

Mr O'Brien said the UK Government could not put political pressure on Indonesia, but would continue to provide Dr McCulloch with consular assistance.

He said Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos had brought up Dr McCulloch's case with her Indonesian counterpart during a recent visit to the country.

He added that he was "very concerned" about discrepancies between the accounts given by Mr Reid and by Foreign Office officials.