People need to accept that if they go to countries with dodgy regimes, they might find themselves in peril, particularly as a women with dual nationality in a country that doesn't really value women as equals. That said, at the time the FCO were not warning a high risk.
The background of the deal was the former regime ordered some challenger tanks and weapons (£600m), payment in advance, regime change occurred and UK could/would no longer supply. Contract terminated, UK arguing that the £400m was LDs, only recently this was overturned by international court. The argument was similar to basic contract laws, but on an international scale.
Entities entitle to claim - we can't refund to you as you aren't the contracting party.
Liquidated damages - We suffered costs as a result of the contract termination.
and inability to do business with sanctioned entity
Statute of limitation - its quite an old debt.
Note: I'm drawing parallels not arguing these apply to international deals.
Yes she should thank the British people. Its cost us each around a £5er, probably closer to a £10er by the time you look at costs.