Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

The SNP appreciates the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn for bringing forward this debate, expressing deep concern over the failure to release political hostages like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Alyn Smith suggests considering the translation of the historical £400 million debt into humanitarian aid as a face-saving mechanism and calls for Magnitsky sanctions on individuals within the Iranian regime.

I suggest engineering a vote in the main Chamber on paying the debt owed to Iran, which would add pressure on the Government to secure Nazanin's release.

Anna McMorrin expressed deep concern for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her husband Richard Ratcliffe, who is on a hunger strike. She criticised the UK government's refusal to pay off an acknowledged debt to Iran, believing this could resolve the issue. She paid tribute to the family's resilience and urged the government to do everything possible to bring detained individuals home.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being held as a political hostage in Iran. The Government's response to the escalation of Nazanin's ordeal has been described as pitiful, despite strengthening language used by Ministers about her treatment. Barbara Keeley pays tribute to Richard Ratcliffe and highlights the need for an urgent intervention from the Prime Minister.

The UK owes Iran £400 million for Chieftain tanks that were never delivered, and repaying this debt could lead to the release of British prisoners in Iran.

O'Hara criticises the Government's lack of progress in securing Nazanin's release over the past year. He mentions that five Foreign Secretaries have promised to explore every avenue but there has been no tangible outcome. O'Hara urges the Government to take a new approach and acknowledges Richard Ratcliffe's resolve.

I express heartfelt feelings on behalf of Hornsey and Wood Green residents and point out the long time it has taken to resolve the case of my constituent Aras Amiri. We need energy and push to get Nazanin home. Asked to give way during the speech.

Expressed concern over a pattern of moral unseriousness and lack of moral courage displayed in this family's case compared to their steadfastness and bravery.

Jarvis meets with Richard Ratcliffe twice during his hunger strikes, highlighting the pain he has endured. He calls for the Government to do whatever it takes to bring British hostages home and prevent more families from being torn apart.

I extend my best wishes to Richard, Nazanin and Gabriella. I ask what progress has been made by the new Foreign Secretary in trying to secure Nazanin's case.

I put it on the record that the people of my constituency are fully behind Nazanin being freed. The UK Government must act without fear of upsetting allies such as the United States to secure her release. The hon. Member agrees with the concerns raised about Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case and supports calls for diplomatic protection to be used more effectively.

Expressed the desperation felt by Richard Ratcliffe in his efforts to secure Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release and highlighted the need for action beyond diplomatic discussions.

Florence Eshalomi urged the Government to use diplomatic levers to bring Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe home, emphasizing the pain her family endures without her. She highlighted that Richard Ratcliffe's actions to seek justice for his wife are a testament to the severity of the situation.

Congratulated Richard Ratcliffe on his bravery, questioning why other countries have successfully negotiated their citizens' release while the UK has not made progress.

I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing a debate and suggest that the Government should fix the situation without delay, as the current incumbent in Downing Street said something that has had a human cost.

I thank my hon. Friend for securing this essential debate and mention my constituent Anoosheh Ashoori, who is also a British citizen imprisoned in Iran. I agree it is a crime for Iran to hold hostages but also a crime for the UK not to settle any debts that may keep them there. Ms Janet Daby expressed concern about her constituent Anoosheh Ashoori and asked if his family had received diplomatic protection from the Government.

Jeremy Corbyn acknowledges the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn's efforts in pursuing Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case, emphasizing the need to pay off the historical debt without negotiation. He calls for a serious human rights dialogue with Iran and urges for the release of other individuals like Anoosheh Ashoori, Mehran Raoof, and Morad Tahbaz.

The MP praised Richard Ratcliffe for his quiet dignity. He argued that the UK Government should pay the historical debt owed to Iran, which is linked to this case, and suggested various practical ways to do so despite sanctions. The MP also stressed the need to de-link the fates of dual nationals from the outcome of diplomatic talks.

Jeremy Wright agreed that the UK should repay a decades-old commercial debt owed to Iran, regardless of any potential linkage with prisoner releases. He also called for more innovative solutions within the sanctions regime to facilitate this repayment.

Suggested that the UK should follow the USA's decision by paying £400 million owed to Iran to ensure Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's immediate release.

Called for repayment of the £400 million debt to Iran and criticized the Government's approach, suggesting it is inconsistent with their stance on other issues.

Asked if humanitarian aid could be used as a way around the issue presented by Bob Stewart.

The MP paid tribute to Richard Ratcliffe, commending his calmness and dignity despite the difficult circumstances. He highlighted constituents' support for Nazanin's release and criticised the UK Government for not taking decisive action. The MP argued that the dispute between Iran and the UK over £400 million owed is at the root of this situation.

Asked if there is something wrong with the way the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office approaches cases of detained citizens.

Asked if the Prime Minister has met Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Richard recently, what his personal intervention in this case has been, and whether he keeps in touch with them.

Ms Layla Moran briefly intervened to ask if the Minister would give way for a question.

I ask what is missing from diplomatic tools used by the Government, as their efforts have not brought any results in securing Nazanin's release.

Warned of the risk that nuclear negotiations could entangle cases such as Nazanin's and Anoosheh Ashoori's, urging a plan to prevent this.

Asked if a fully resourced consular support service is needed to provide families with confidence in diplomatic assistance. Asked when the right hon. Gentleman was Foreign Secretary whether they were advised by senior civil servants that the money would not be paid and what the answer in Cabinet was.

Asked how the current Administration's level of involvement compares and contrasts with previous Prime Ministers' support for Nazanin's case.

The people of Weaver Vale send their love and compassion to Nazanin, Richard and Gabriella. It is important that the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister do the right thing regarding her case.

The right hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn agrees that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case is not just about her, but also about other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran.

The hon. Member expresses frustration with the Government's approach and emphasises that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being used as a pawn between the UK and Iran.

I congratulate the hon. Lady on her campaign and ask how the Government are treating Nazanin's case differently from other consular cases, suggesting Anoosheh Ashoori should also be granted diplomatic protection.

Patrick Grady expressed solidarity with Richard Ratcliffe and his family, criticizing the UK Government's inaction. He highlighted that other countries have successfully negotiated the release of their citizens from Iran but Britain has not. Grady also mentioned dual nationals such as Anoosheh Ashoori, Mehran Raoof, and Morad Tahbaz who are detained in Iran.

Emphasised that there are other dual nationals needing the Government's help, urging compassion for their cases as well.

Ruth Jones expressed concern over the Prime Minister's involvement in securing Nazanin's release, demanding specifics on what actions have been taken since July 2019. She urged the Government to ensure Nazanin is home for Christmas.

Sarah Olney highlighted the emotional impact on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's daughter Gabriella and emphasised the importance of reuniting mother and child as a priority.

Expressed support for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family and urged the Government to act and show solidarity.

Stuart McDonald condemned the Iranian regime's treatment of Nazanin and called for a clear strategy from the UK Government to secure her release, questioning why other countries have managed releases while the UK has not. He also asked about the practical use of diplomat protection status granted to Nazanin.

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and ask her about the barbaric Iranian regime and its operations, as well as what message she has for them regarding Nazanin's release.

I thank my hon. Friend for her campaign and suggest that the spirit of Lewis Hamilton should be harnessed to bring home Nazanin, Anoosheh Ashoori, Morad Tahbaz, and Mehran Raoof.

Mr Wayne David discussed the detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other dual nationals in Iran, highlighting that they have been arbitrarily detained on fabricated charges. He mentioned that Richard Ratcliffe's hunger strike had united visitors against injustice and criticised the Government's approach to securing their release as ineffective. Mr Wayne David asked the Minister about the timetable for repaying the £400 million debt owed by Britain to Iran, which has been identified as crucial in securing the release of detained nationals.