Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Excerpts

Monday 15th November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

My Lords—

[Lord Carlile of Berriew (CB)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

Can we hear from a woman for a change?

[Lord Carlile of Berriew (CB)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that one of the ambitions of this country is that Iran should adhere to the rule of law? If so, should we not be adhering to the rule of law—and, therefore, will he now give us a very clear “yes” or “no” reply to my noble and learned friend Lord Judge’s very straightforward question, which he has yet to answer?

[Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con)]

Yes, of course, it is in everyone’s interest that Iran as a country adheres to the rule of law, just as the UK does on a routine and permanent basis.

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

My Lords, the Government do have some responsibility for the suffering that Nazanin is experiencing because our Prime Minister told a lie that she was teaching journalism. That meant that the Iranian Government were much more exercised about her presence in Iran when, in fact, she was only there to see her family. Has the Prime Minister shown any remorse?

[Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con)]

The Prime Minister continues to engage on this issue with his counterpart, as does the entire FCDO. The Government continue to prioritise this case, as I have relayed to the House, and will continue to do so.