As far as 'Syria next on the list', we made clear that it is not,

Our position in terms of paying ransoms has been very clear and consistent. The United Kingdom does not pay ransoms.

Your circumstance is entirely hypothetical, and I'm quite clear it won't arise.

What we are discussing is what we have to do, the very clear undertakings given by the European Council at a summit last December and again this June, to lead to an opening of negotiations on October 3rd. I will say that I am reasonably hopeful that this deadline can be met.

In uncertain times you should not just give a knee-jerk response.

We want to see these talks resumed because we not only believe this is in the interests of the international community, but also in the interests of Iran.