Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Paragraph: 57
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working.
Conclusion
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working. The Key Performance Indicator remains the unconditional and timely release of detained nationals. In this, the range of tools on offer is entirely ineffectual and requires revision. The FCDO needs to acknowledge this and use it as a basis for working with allies to develop an effective strategy which will adequately safeguard British citizens.
Paragraph Reference:
57
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We note the Committee’s views with regard to the efficacy of UK consular policy in Iran and agree fully that the Iranian government should immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained dual British nationals. We have been clear that their detention is entirely unacceptable and unjustified. We agree on the importance of working with allies and like-minded partners. We will continue to discuss with them how best we can raise cases of arbitrary detention, to reinforce our concerns and impact. It is important that we act in a way we judge most likely to be in best interests of each of our detainees, and we are committed to ensuring we do everything we can to ensure they are released to be reunited with their families. Iran does not recognise dual nationality nor grant consular access to our dual British national detainees. We have repeatedly pressed, and will continue to press, for exceptional consular access and appropriate medical care.