Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Lord Anderson of Swansea Excerpts

Monday 13th November 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

I am not sure that it is really the time now to go into more detail about the Foreign Secretary’s comments. We know exactly what he said and we know now what he has admitted was his mistake.

On the point about the legal advice, as with all Foreign Office policies we explore all options that will support or further our objectives. That includes, obviously, working with external lawyers where they might have an input. So I can confirm that conversations are continuing with a number of third parties, all of whom are engaging with the Foreign Office to make sure that we can ensure the safe return of Nazanin as soon as possible.

[Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)]

My Lords, there is a danger of creating a smokescreen to defend Cabinet Ministers on this. It is clearly a very sensitive issue. A simple question is whether the Foreign Secretary was aware of the facts when he made his statement to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

My Lords, I cannot possibly answer that question as I am not the Foreign Secretary.