British Nationals Detained in Iran
I want to reassure you that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to work hard to assist British nationals detained in Iran. My thoughts are with Nazanin and Anoosheh, and their families. Like you, I want to see them both released immediately.
I am told that the UK Embassy in Tehran continues to request consular access to Mr Ashoori and has been supporting his family. The UK regularly calls on Iran to release all British-Iranian nationals arbitrarily detained, including Mr Ashoori.
I recognise that Nazanin’s ongoing furlough does not represent the final objective of securing Nazanin’s permanent release and I have been assured that the UK's lobbying efforts remain focussed on getting Nazanin home. It is appalling that Iran began a new case against Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and threatened her with being returned to prison, and I am relieved that the groundless new trial was adjourned. The Iranian authorities have put an intolerable burden on Nazanin and her family. It is vital that Iran knows the strength of the UK's convictions regarding this, and so it is encouraging that on 29 October, the Iranian Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It was made clear to the Iranian ambassador that his country’s treatment of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is unjustified and unacceptable and is causing an enormous amount of distress. Iran is further tarnishing its reputation through its actions towards Nazanin.
The UK continues to call on Iran to live up to its responsibilities under international human rights law and the Vienna convention and release dual nationals. Cases continue to be raised at the most senior levels and discussed at every opportunity with Iranian counterparts.
Supporting Child Refugees & Family Reunion
The UK continues to be one of the world’s leading refugee resettlement states. As a country, we resettle more refugees than any other in Europe and are in the top five countries worldwide. Since 2015, the Government has resettled more than 25,000 vulnerable refugees in need of protection through our refugee resettlement schemes, with around half being children.
You mentioned that more needs to be done in this area and I agree. In the year ending March 2020, over 7,400 refugee family reunion visas were issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. This is 37 per cent more than in the previous year.
The Prime Minister made clear the importance that the Government places on ensuring that unaccompanied children who are seeking international protection in an EU Member State can continue to be reunited with specified family members who are in the UK, as well as children in the UK with family in the EU, following the UK’s exit from the EU.
Conflict in Armenia
I share your concerns about the recent violence we have seen on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, especially at a time when I know that both countries are struggling with coronavirus pandemics. I deeply regret the loss of life we have seen and am concerned by reports of large-scale military action in the area.
The UK has urgently called upon both sides to end hostilities, respect the ceasefire and engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation, avoid further casualties and protect civilians. I join the Government in urging both sides to show restraint and refrain from rhetoric that may increase tensions further.
The UK would like to see a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and fully supports the efforts of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in achieving that. I welcome the Government's reiteration of this support considering the recent violence. I am told that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly raises the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the authorities in Armenia and Azerbaijan and will continue to do so. A comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is overdue
The continued violence threatens regional stability and prosperity and highlights the urgent need for formal negotiations to resume. I have noted the concerns you have raised and will ensure that ministers are aware of them. I will of course be following developments closely.
Arms sales to Saudi Arabia
I fully appreciate your concerns about military exports to Saudi Arabia. I want to reassure you that in accordance with the Court of Appeal's judgement in June last year, the Secretary of State for International Trade has now retaken licening decisions regarding military exports to Saudi Arabia for possible use in the conflict in Yemen on the correct legal basis.
New licence applications will be assessed against a revised methodology, which evaluates whether there is a clear risk that the equipment might be used in the commission of a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. On this basis, I understand Ministers are now able to begin the process of addressing licence applications for Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners again.
I have been assured that each application will be carefully assessed against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria and that a licence will not be granted if to do so would be a breach of the criteria.
Bahrain: Mohamed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa
I certainly share the concerns of many at about the cases of Mohamed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa in Bahrain, as does the Foreign Secretary. The UK has already raised both cases, and will continue to do so, at senior levels with the Government of Bahrain, which in turn is fully aware that the UK is firmly opposed to the death penalty, in all circumstances. I note also that Mr Ramadhan and Mr Moosa are being supported in their case by Amnesty International and others.
In January, the former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa stated publicly the UK's deep concern that death sentences were handed down in these cases. More recently, Lord Ahmad, the Minister of State responsible for human rights, reinforced this position on 14th July. I shall continue to follow developments closely and engage with Ministers where I can.
Foreign Aid
As you know, the foreign aid budget is set at 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI). This is the proportion that has been used since 1974, though under David Cameron this was enshrined in law rather than simply being a target. Since then, the UK has been amongst the top five or six donors internationally.
The Foreign Secretary has confirmed the Government has no plans to drop the 0.7% GNI commitment. Since it is a percentage, it is natural that the budget is proportionately lower this year in line with the fall in GNI due to COVID-19. The budget will similarly increase when GNI rises.
Terming this change a ‘cut’, as many news outlets have, is misrepresentative - there has been no decision to reduce the Government’s spending commitment, which as I say remains at 0.7% of GNI.
Coronavirus - Iran
The UK is working with the international community to ensure Iran receives the humanitarian support it needs during this global pandemic.
The UK, alongside its E3 partners (France and Germany) is offering Iran a comprehensive package of support to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus, including equipment for laboratory tests and protective body suits and gloves, as well as financial support.
The UK, France and Germany have also committed to provide a further €5 million to tackle the covid-19 epidemic in Iran, through the World Heath Organisation or other UN agencies.
Iran is receiving the humanitarian support it needs, despite economic sanctions.
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