Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Security Threat to UK-Based Journalists

20 February 2023 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge

Community SecurityDemocracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Thomas Tugendhat raised concerns about security threat to uk-based journalists in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister updated House on steps taken to address threats from Iranian regime
  • Home Secretary and Minister condemned Iran's violent oppression and human rights violations
  • Iran International temporarily moved operations to United States due to safety concerns

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Thomas Tugendhat

The Minister updated the House on steps taken to address threats posed by the Iranian regime, emphasising the importance of defending press freedom. The Home Secretary and he have condemned Iran's violent oppression and human rights violations, including specific threats against UK-based journalists working for Iran International. Robust security measures are in place, but Iran International has temporarily moved its operations to the United States due to safety concerns. The Government is setting up a Defending Democracy Taskforce and will consider further sanctions on those linked to the Iranian regime. Since 2020, there have been attempts by Iran to collect intelligence and conduct lethal operations against UK-based individuals, including Israeli and Jewish citizens. The Minister also highlighted ongoing coordination with allies in Europe and the United States to tackle these threats comprehensively.

Other contributors (15)
  • Holly Lynch

    Question

    Why has the Government not proscribed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) despite warnings from intelligence agencies since 2019?

  • Tom Tugendhat

    Minister reply

    The Minister stated that he is taking steps to instruct the Home Office to lead work on countering Iranian state threats, including exploring further sanctions and collaboration with allies. He acknowledged the need for a coordinated response but did not provide specific timelines or commitments regarding the proscription of IRGC.

  • Holly Lynch

    Question

    Lynch expresses outrage over foreign governments conducting threatening activities within UK borders and asks why sanctions and proscription powers have not been deployed against those acting on behalf of Iran. She requests a timeline for these actions, especially regarding the IRGC.

    Minister reply

    Thomas Tugendhat responds that proscription is a legal instrument requiring thorough discussion and does not confirm or deny future plans due to ongoing investigations. He emphasises that sanctions are being implemented and praises UK security agencies.

  • Julian Lewis

    Question

    Lewis confirms the Intelligence and Security Committee's study on Iran and its security implications, expressing cautious optimism about overcoming delays in progress. He asks for an analysis of the origins of the 15 credible threats identified by Counter Terrorism Policing.

    Minister reply

    Thomas Tugendhat declines to provide details due to ongoing investigations but invites Lewis to his committee where he can answer these questions more fully.

  • Alison Thewliss

    Question

    Thewliss thanks the Minister for addressing this serious issue and commends Iran International journalists for their bravery. She urges a quick decision on proscription of organisations like IRGC, noting uncertainty among Iranians living in the UK. She asks about visa policies for those fearing persecution if they return to Iran.

    Minister reply

    Thomas Tugendhat acknowledges her concerns and emphasises that anyone in the UK should feel as safe as UK citizens. He mentions the National Security Bill's powers regarding proscription against state threats and assures ongoing support for individuals seeking sanctuary.

  • John Whittingdale Con Maldon

    Question

    Iran has a poor media freedom record, raising concerns for BBC Persian staff's family safety in Iran and the need for cross-Government National Committee for Journalists Safety.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with John Whittingdale on the importance of protecting journalists and supports the work of BBC Persian.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    Question

    Questions the steps being taken to ensure journalist safety after Iran International was forced to leave Chiswick business park.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges Ruth Cadbury's concern, mentions setting up a defending democracy taskforce by the Prime Minister.

  • Flick Drummond

    Question

    Asks if security services are working closely with journalists to protect them from threats made against their families in Iran.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges threats faced by BBC Persian staff and agrees that protection of these journalists is essential.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    Asks about discussions with security agencies to ensure timely information for the Intelligence and Security Committee's inquiry into Iranian security threats.

    Minister reply

    States that discussions are ongoing, particularly with MI5.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

    Question

    Inquires about vigilance against other states potentially conducting operations against UK-based personnel.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that the Government remains vigilant and proactive in addressing threats from various states.

  • Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

    Question

    Asks if steps outlined today will protect press freedoms, and when to expect extra security measures.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges that more needs to be done and sets up a taskforce to address this issue.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Question

    Asks about Government actions to protect press freedoms, citing support from the National Union of Journalists.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the NUJ's support and notes the government’s commitment to protecting journalists both in the UK and globally.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Requests assurance on Government’s commitment to supporting a free press, especially regarding Iran.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with Jim Shannon's assessment of Iran as violating numerous principles and expresses support for freedom of religion and belief.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Question

    The Minister referred to the Charity Commission’s inquiry into the Islamic Centre of England and its links with the Iranian regime, but he will also be aware of wider concerns about other cultural centres across the UK, including in Manchester, allegedly having links to the regime and allegedly controlled by Khamenei. Would the Government consider a wider investigation of those outposts—those cultural centres—so that we can get to the bottom of this and get to the truth?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member will understand that I am not going to list all those that are linked to the Khamenei authority, but he can be assured that the Islamic Centre of England is not the only one that I am aware of.

Shadow Comment

Holly Lynch

The Shadow Minister expressed concern over Iran International's closure following police advice due to threats made against its journalists. She praised the UK for supporting those who speak truth to power but criticised the Government for not deploying sanctions and proscription powers effectively, specifically mentioning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The shadow questioned why these steps have been delayed despite warnings from intelligence agencies since 2019. She called for a timeline on sanctions and a clear commitment to prohibiting the IRGC.

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