House of Commons · Ministerial Statement
11 October 2022 · 31 other contributors
Opened by Gillian Keegan Con UK Government
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Gillian Keegan raised concerns about mahsa amini in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Government Statement
The death of Mahsa Amini in Iran sparked widespread protests against the regime's repression, especially targeting women's rights. The UK condemned the crackdown on protesters and journalists, imposing sanctions on the morality police and five senior officials responsible for human rights violations during fuel protests in 2019. There are currently over 200 sanctions designations in place against Iran, covering human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, and terrorism.
Question
Will the UK Government stand with Iranian protesters demanding justice, freedom, and democracy? Will Ministers meet opposition groups? Ban IRGC? Rule out sanctions relief?
Minister reply
The UK stands by those protesting against human rights abuses. The use of violence in response to fundamental rights is wholly unjustifiable. We are reviewing all options and called for a full investigation into Mahsa Amini's death.
Question
How will the UK support Iranian civil society, independent journalism, and ethnic minorities amidst regime crackdowns?
Minister reply
We condemn persecution of BBC Persian employees and continue to support them. We raise human rights concerns at international levels and work with partners to address Iran's poor record.
Question
Should Iran Air be banned from UK airports due to its involvement in shipping drones to Russia?
Minister reply
We cannot comment on future sanctions, including the banning of planes, at this point. We will continue to take action with the international community to press Iran for improvements.
Question
Will the UK Government recognise Mahsa Amini's death as femicide and support an independent investigation?
Minister reply
The UK has called for a full and transparent investigation into Mahsa Amini's murder. We continue to work with international partners on addressing Iran’s human rights violations.
Question
Will the Government pursue full criminal actions against abuses in Iran and take this to the UN?
Minister reply
We have condemned the human rights record, murder of Mahsa Amini, and requested a full investigation. We will continue to work closely with our international partners.
Question
What actions are being taken to secure the release of British citizens incarcerated in Iran?
Minister reply
We have ongoing discussions about many different cases, but I am unable to comment on those at this point.
Question
How can we support women and men around the world who are speaking out against oppression in Iran and other countries?
Minister reply
The UK has condemned police violence against protesters, summoned Iran’s most senior diplomat to discuss concerns, and implemented sanctions on officials responsible for human rights violations.
Question
Following the deaths of at least 185, including 19 children, what steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to work with the Iranians and with international partners to secure justice, and also to make sure that it is safe for women and girls in Iran?
Minister reply
The UK stands with the people of Iran and has called for a full and open investigation into the deaths. The UK continues to hold the Government of Iran accountable for their repression of women and girls.
Question
Can my hon. Friend confirm that the UK Government will hold Iran’s Government fully responsible for all their human rights abuses—be they past, present or in the future?
Minister reply
Yes; Iran’s human rights record is of serious concern to the UK and we designate it as one of our human rights priority countries.
Question
Can I ask the Minister whether the Government are therefore planning to make it UK policy to condemn all countries across the middle east that use the pretence of morality to police the bodies of women and compel them to wear certain coverings?
Minister reply
We continue to work with many, including our international partners, on human rights violations in various countries but we do not comment on operational matters or ongoing discussions.
Question
What contacts are she and the Government having with other countries, in order that we can concert the actions on sanctions?
Minister reply
The UK has been robust in its response to Iran’s repression of protesters. We have issued new sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations and expect other countries, including the EU, to follow suit.
Question
Instead of treating Ebrahim Raisi as if he is an elected Head of State, we should refer him to the United Nations as a mass murderer. Why do we not take appropriate action and make it obvious that we cannot deal with these people?
Minister reply
We are clear about our concerns regarding Iran's human rights violations and are working through international channels such as the UN Human Rights Council.
Question
Will the Minister support women in Iran, Afghanistan and elsewhere by creating a dedicated UK asylum and resettlement route for women at risk of persecution solely for asserting the rights that we take for granted?
Minister reply
We continue to work closely with like-minded partners to ensure that countries are held to account for human rights abuses. We will continue working through international channels such as the UN Human Rights Council.
Question
Will the latest outrages now shame the Government into proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—the IRGC?
Minister reply
The UK maintains a range of sanctions against the IRGC’s activities and the list of proscribed organisations is kept under constant review.
Question
What steps is the Minister taking with our international allies to shine a light on what is happening in Iran, such as through the International Criminal Court?
Minister reply
We have called for a full and transparent investigation into Mahsa Amini's death. We condemn the Iranian authorities' crackdown on protestors and call for internet freedom.
Question
Will the Minister take back to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport that point about the importance of BBC Persian and ask it to reconsider the cuts facing the BBC World Service?
Minister reply
The FCDO is providing the BBC World Service with more than £94 million annually. The BBC’s operational and editorial independence means decisions on its services are a matter for the BBC.
Question
How are they going to ensure that the burdens of these sanctions do not fall on ordinary Iranians, who are protesting at the killing of their sisters and girls?
Minister reply
All measures taken aim to apply increasing pressure on the Iranian leaders. These protests are very clear, and their voices must be heard.
Question
How is the UK building relationships with civil society in Iran? If the regime falls, these people may go on to lead the country.
Minister reply
We continue to build our relationships in Iran at many different levels. We are concerned by human rights abuses and will ensure continued action with international partners.
Question
Mahsa Amini was a Kurd, and many in the Kurdish community in Glasgow and Edinburgh have joined protests. What discussions has the Minister had with her Home Office counterparts on cases such as family reunion and expediting asylum interviews?
Minister reply
The minister mentioned having regular conversations with the Home Office but declined to discuss specific cases here.
Question
Does the Minister agree that oppression in Iran has nothing to do with religious observance and everything to do with men trying to control women?
Minister reply
The minister thanked Hilary Benn for his point, agreeing with it while also noting the involvement of men in protests.
Question
What are the Government doing to expedite asylum claims from people from a Kurdish background and Iranian human rights activists?
Minister reply
The minister responded that Iran must cease its attacks on Kurdish towns, which violate Iraq's sovereignty.
Question
Are there currently no legal or safe routes for women fleeing persecution in Iran to enter the UK and claim asylum?
Minister reply
The minister stated she would reply in writing about available legal and safe routes.
Question
How are the Government supporting civil society beyond commenting on sanctions, given that today is International Day of the Girl Child?
Minister reply
The minister agreed with Karin Smyth and stated there was much activity ongoing to support women's rights.
Question
Has the Minister considered expelling Iranian diplomats, given the murder of Mahsa Amini?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed new sanctions on senior figures and security forces in Iran had been announced.
Question
Will women fleeing human rights abuses in Iran due to the protests be placed on a plane to Rwanda if they seek refuge in this country?
Minister reply
The minister stated that the UK supports the rights of women and girls through work with UN and others.
Question
What assessment have the Government made on President Biden’s attempt to revive the Iran nuclear deal?
Minister reply
The minister stated that Iran's nuclear escalation is unacceptable and undermining non-proliferation.
Question
Will the Minister commit to raising cases of two LGBTQ rights activists sentenced to death in Iran with the Iranian Government?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that she is aware of those cases and they are under consideration.
Question
What relationships has the Minister built with potential alternative leaders in Iran to support protesters?
Minister reply
The minister stated that the UK does not officially decide on who should lead Iran’s Government, but supports opposition groups.
Question
Does the Minister recognise the Iranian people's right to self-defence and resistance in the face of deadly crackdowns targeting women?
Minister reply
The minister strongly condemned the Iranian authorities’ crackdown on protesters, journalists, and internet freedom.
Question
What support are the UK Government giving to the Iranian diaspora here and their civil society organisations?
Minister reply
The minister stated that the Foreign Office works on individual cases and within societies to defend human rights.
Shadow Comment
Theresa VilliersThe shadow response called on the UK Government to stand with Iranian protesters demanding justice, freedom, and democracy. It also questioned whether Ministers would meet opposition groups, ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and rule out sanctions relief under the joint comprehensive plan of action process.