Like you, I wish to see the three British-Iranian citizens returned to their families and to the UK.  The Government's responsibility is to work in the most effective way it can, in all circumstances, to achieve that.

I have been assured by the Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt MP, that this is a priority for him.  Since his appointment as Minister of State, he has spoken to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran about the prisoners on 21 June, and again raised the subject when he met the Iranian ambassador on 6 July.  I also know that the prisoners' families have round-the-clock access to support and assistance from our dedicated Foreign Office officials.

The Government's strategy is based on decades of experience - both the UK's Government and our international partners - of dealing with Iran.  This approach is in the best interests of those detained, but is kept under constant review.  Our ambassador raises the issue of the detainees with the Iranian authorities at every opportunity; he seeks to secure consular access and to ensure their welfare.  Furthermore, the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have raised all our consular cases with their counterparts and have stressed the importance of resolving them as quickly as possible.

I was also able to attend the Westminster Hall debate on 18 July, where I raised particular concern for the medical attention and health welfare of those incarcerated in Evin Prison.