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British Citizens Imprisoned Overseas and Coronavirus
02 March 2020
Lead MP
Tulip Siddiq
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TransportForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Tulip Siddiq raised concerns about british citizens imprisoned overseas and coronavirus in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Raised concerns about the health of her constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is seriously ill in prison with coronavirus symptoms. She urged the government to act urgently to secure permanent release for Nazanin.
Nigel Adams
17:02:00
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.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
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.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
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.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
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.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
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.
Nigel Adams
Con
Sherwood
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.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
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.
Bristol West
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.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
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.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
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.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Con
Morden
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.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Emphasises the importance of supporting Iranians during the crisis, not as a quid pro quo but to rebuild trust with Iran through generous assistance.
Norwich South
Praises the work of chief medical officers and their teams in responding to the coronavirus threat since before Christmas.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Requests assurance for care of a British Council employee, who is imprisoned in Evin prison, ensuring it is as good as anyone else’s.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Questions organisational changes made at the Foreign Office to monitor and protect British nationals overseas from contracting coronavirus.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
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.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Inquires about specific requests made by the Government for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release on humanitarian grounds.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
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.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
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.
Government Response
Emphasised that protecting British citizens abroad is a priority. The Government has introduced measures such as travel advice and supported isolation facilities at Heathrow, coordinated repatriation efforts for those affected by outbreaks in various countries, and provided medical support to Iran. Provides updates on efforts to support dual UK-Iran nationals detained in Iran and outlines the assistance offered to combat coronavirus, including financial aid and medical supplies.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.