Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Prime Minister, what plans he has to meet the family of Anoosheh Ashoori to discuss progress the Government has made on securing the release of that person from prison in Iran; and if he will make a statement.

The Government remains extremely concerned about the welfare of British-Iranian dual nationals detained in Iran, including Anoosheh Ashoori. Iran does not recognize dual nationality and therefore does not permit access to British-Iranian detainees. We are committed to ensuring that we do everything we can, including continuing to press the Iranian authorities for consular access to ensure that they are treated in accordance with international standards and that their welfare needs are met.

The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns over dual nationals most recently in his call with Foreign Minister Zarif on 9 January. The Prime Minister also raised his concerns in a recent telephone call with President Rouhani. The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Dr Murrison, raised dual-national cases with the Iranian Ambassador on 13 January.