The Government has admitted ministers waived death penalty assurances in two cases other than those of Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh since 2001.

In a response to a written parliamentary question from Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, Security Minister Ben Wallace revealed: "A review of available records (dating back to 2001) has been undertaken and I can confirm that this has occurred on two previous occasions that have been identified, under successive governments."

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said: "The UK abolished the barbaric practice of capital punishment more than 50 years ago. It's deeply disturbing to think successive governments have effectively outsourced the death penalty to other countries.

"The cases of Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh are a disgrace - but Elsheikh's mother is now challenging the way her son was treated by the Government in court.

"Ministers must urgently explain the reasons they failed on two more occasions to seek assurances that people would not be killed by foreign states, and allow those involved to seek justice."