The imprisonment of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has gone on for far too long, and I worry for her health and the impact that this unfortunate episode is having on her young daughter.
The Government remains very concerned about all of UK dual nationals detained in Iran and is doing everything it can in each of their cases, including trying to secure access to them and ensure their welfare. This is particularly challenging because the Iranian Government does not recognise dual nationality and therefore does not accept the UK Government's request for consular access.
It would not be in the best interests of the detainees to give detailed accounts of the individual or confidential efforts made behind the scenes to secure their release.
However, I am sure you will be aware that since his appointment the new Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has been "very strong on Nazanin's case" according to Richard Ratcliffe, her husband. Moreover, the Minister responsible, Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP, recently met with senior politicians in Tehran and raised this case, and I have no doubt that the Government will continue to respond in a way that is in their best interests of detainees.
