UK citizens detained in UAE frustrated with ‘impotent’ government intervention

Families of those accused of sharing images of conflict in region say ministers are too fearful of offending Emirates

• Middle East crisis live – latest updates

The families of UK citizens held in the United Arab Emirates over allegations that they shared images of the conflict with Iran have voiced frustration at the British government’s failure to help.

Several British citizens are among more than 100 foreign nationals who have been detained under draconian Emirate rules that outlaw publishing or sharing material that could “disturb public security”.