British Citizens Imprisoned Overseas and Coronavirus

Responded on behalf of the Foreign Secretary, stating that protecting British citizens abroad is a priority. The Government has introduced measures such as travel advice and supported isolation facilities at Heathrow to prevent the spread of coronavirus. They have coordinated repatriation efforts for British nationals affected by outbreaks in various countries and are providing medical support to Iran.

Expressed deep concern about Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's health, urging the government to test her for coronavirus and provide medical treatment. She questioned why Iran is refusing such requests and asked for assurances that any results given by Iran would be reliable.

Acknowledged the bravery of British diplomatic staff in Tehran and criticised Iran's treatment of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. He urged the Prime Minister to call the President of Iran and insist on testing for coronavirus.

Pleaded with the Iranian government to see Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as a human being rather than a political prisoner. She called for compassion in releasing her during the current health crisis.

Suggested that now is an opportune moment to extend humanitarian assistance and support to ordinary Iranians suffering from the coronavirus outbreak, urging the UK government to reach out to them as well.

Acknowledges difficulties in handling dual nationals detained by Iran, confirms ongoing efforts to support Mrs. Zaghari-Ratcliffe through regular communication with her family and the Iranian authorities.

Raises concerns about dual UK-Iran nationals detained in Evin prison, seeks details on how pledged funds will be used and if Iran is prepared to accept them.

Asks for information on the number of dual UK-Iran nationals detained in Iran and their medical conditions, seeks advice for those concerned about contacting consular staff.

Suggests leveraging the UK's overseas aid budget to offer practical medical assistance to Iran as a means of improving diplomatic relations and aiding prisoners' welfare.

Highlights high death rates in Iran due to coronavirus, urges the Minister to work through various diplomatic channels to provide relief to Iranians suffering from the crisis.

Asks for assurance on the release of all dual nationals detained by Iran and updates regarding the welfare and security of British embassy staff in Tehran.

Emphasises the importance of supporting Iranians during the crisis, not as a quid pro quo but to rebuild trust with Iran through generous assistance.

Praises the work of chief medical officers and their teams in responding to the coronavirus threat since before Christmas.

Requests assurance for care of a British Council employee, who is imprisoned in Evin prison, ensuring it is as good as anyone else’s.

Questions organisational changes made at the Foreign Office to monitor and protect British nationals overseas from contracting coronavirus.

Praises efforts by the Member for Hampstead and Kilburn for securing an urgent question, asks about briefings on advice given to imprisoned British citizens regarding protection against coronavirus.

Inquires about specific requests made by the Government for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release on humanitarian grounds.

Asks for an assessment of sanitary conditions inside Iranian prisons, particularly Evin prison where Mrs. Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being held.

Stated that consular staff cannot gain access to the prison and rely on families for information. Emphasised ongoing dialogue with Iranian authorities regarding treatment of prisoners under international rules.

Asked about the Government’s response in case there is a serious risk to Mr Ashoori's health due to coronavirus, and raised concerns about other British nationals detained in Iran.