Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

25 October 2021 · 11 other contributors

Opened by James Cleverly Con Braintree

ImmigrationForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Cleverly raised concerns about nazanin zaghari-ratcliffe in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Foreign Secretary spoke to Iranian counterparts on September 22 and October 16-17
  • UK Government continues to call for release and humane treatment of detainees
  • Engagement includes preventing nuclear weapons acquisition and promoting regional stability

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

James Cleverly

The Foreign Secretary spoke to Iranian counterparts on September 22 and October 16-17 regarding the detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Anoosheh Ashoori, and Morad Tahbaz. The UK Government continues to call for their release and humane treatment, emphasising the need for health professionals to access them in Evin prison. We engage international partners and Iran directly on issues such as preventing nuclear weapons acquisition, promoting regional stability, and securing detainee releases. Consular assistance is provided to families seeking support. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office remains committed to resolving these matters through diplomatic means.

Other contributors (11)
  • Tulip Siddiq Lab Hampstead and Highgate

    Question

    The MP criticises the lack of action by the UK Government on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case, highlighting Richard Ratcliffe’s current hunger strike outside the Foreign Secretary's office. She requests acknowledgment that Nazanin is a hostage, calls for Magnitsky sanctions against those involved, resolution of the £400 million debt owed to Iran, and inclusion of hostage-taking prohibitions in negotiations regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledges the passion of the shadow MP but emphasises ongoing diplomatic efforts without disclosing specifics. He assures that the UK continues to call for humane treatment and release of British dual nationals, and advises against travel to Iran due to severe consular support limitations.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    The MP inquires about the number of British dual nationals detained in Iran and advises potential travelers against visiting.

    Minister reply

    The minister confirms ongoing advice against travel to Iran due to limited consular support. He declines to disclose specific numbers, suggesting that quieter diplomatic pressure may be more effective.

  • Wayne David Lab

    Question

    Congratulates my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Kilburn on securing an urgent question regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's imprisonment in Iran; Asks what the Government’s strategy is for bringing her home.

    Minister reply

    Understands the frustration over Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case and assures that every option to secure her release has been explored. Stresses that the Iranian regime is responsible for releasing British dual nationals.

  • Alyn Smith SNP

    Question

    Commends the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn for securing an urgent question; Asks whether President Raisi's visit to COP in Glasgow will be used as an opportunity to discuss prisoner releases with Iran.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates that releasing British dual nationals is discussed at every level of conversation but the final responsibility lies solely with the Iranian regime.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Thanks for granting an urgent question regarding Nazanin's case; Asks if hostage-taking will be addressed in joint comprehensive plan of action negotiations.

    Minister reply

    States that arbitrarily incarcerating British dual nationals should not be used as leverage in negotiations. Ensures that the release of British nationals is a consistent and unwavering position.

  • Kevin Brennan Lab

    Question

    Considers whether British prisoners abroad, such as Luke Symons and Bob Cummings, receive sufficient attention from the Foreign Office.

    Minister reply

    Assures that cases like Luke Symons are regularly raised with countries in the region and intermediaries; Considers it a top priority.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Requests information on how international partnerships are being used to resolve the situation.

    Minister reply

    Confirms discussions with Iran, other regional countries, and allies in Europe and America; States commitment to securing release of British dual nationals.

  • Margaret Ferrier Ind

    Question

    Asks if the Prime Minister has had discussions with Iranian counterpart to secure immediate release of state-taken UK dual nationals.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and FCDO take a keen interest in securing the release and repatriation of British dual nationals.

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    Question

    Asks whether Anoosheh Ashoori will be granted diplomatic protection.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the frustration felt by families but stresses that the responsibility lies with the Iranian regime to release British dual nationals.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    I commend and thank the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Tulip Siddiq) for her press appearance—she is much admired by many in this Chamber. Recent news from Nazanin’s husband has confirmed the impact that imprisonment is having on her mental health and stability, and that is little wonder when we see a glimpse of the way that this British citizen is living, ever aware that Members of the House had thought to secure her freedom, only for that to be thwarted. What steps is the Minister prepared to take to secure her freedom once and for all, and to send a message that this nation, this great United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will protect her own?

    Minister reply

    It is not always possible, particularly in fast-moving and sensitive negotiations such as those we are engaged with in Iran, to go into every detail in the House, and I beg the indulgence of the House to understand that. I assure the hon. Gentleman, as I have said to others, that this issue remains an absolute priority for the Government, and the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and I will take every opportunity to raise it directly with the Iranians and seek the proper, permanent release of all British dual nationals currently held in arbitrary detention in Iran.

Shadow Comment

Tulip Siddiq

The shadow minister criticises the lack of robust action by the UK Government in response to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s prolonged detention and recent sentence extension. She urges recognition of Nazanin as a hostage, calls for Magnitsky sanctions against those involved, resolution of the £400 million debt owed to Iran, and inclusion of hostage-taking prohibitions in negotiations regarding the Iran nuclear deal.

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