The UK Government is judged on how it cares for its citizens at home and overseas. In Iran, the Government failed to assert and secure its rights under the Vienna Convention to provide consular assistance to UK nationals held in Iran. Moreover, the FCDO has been inconsistent in meeting its own commitments to supporting those arrested abroad. This failing, whilst not universal, is not confined to prisoners in Iran. If the recommendations in this report, and those of the MacGregor review, are implemented effectively, it should not be necessary to establish consular assistance as a legal right. However, if the situation does not improve, a legislative solution may be needed.