Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Iran

06 July 2023 · 16 other contributors

Opened by James Cleverly Con Braintree

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Cleverly raised concerns about iran in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister makes a statement on the threat posed by Iran to the UK.
  • Since September last year, the Iranian regime has increased efforts to suppress dissent.
  • In the last 18 months, at least 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British nationals have been attributed to the Iranian regime.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

James Cleverly

With permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the threat that Iran poses to the United Kingdom and the actions that His Majesty’s Government are taking to counter it. Since September last year, the Iranian regime has increased its attempts to silence dissent. In the last 18 months, there have been at least 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British nationals by the Iranian regime. The UK will not tolerate such threats and has sanctioned more than 350 individuals and organisations linked to Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety. I am announcing further measures, including a new Iran sanctions regime that allows us to impose asset freezes and travel bans on more of Iran’s decision makers, targeting those involved in undermining peace and security, proliferation of arms or weapons technology, suppressing freedom of expression online, among others. We have also designated a further 13 individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations inside Iran. The UK remains steadfast in its efforts to stop Iranian aggression.

Other contributors (16)
  • James Duddridge Con Rochford and Southend East

    Question

    Given that Iran has been sanctioned for years, can the Minister update the House on what further measures are being taken in relation to their activities?

    Minister reply

    We have designated more than 350 individuals and organisations linked to the Iranian regime, including the IRGC. We will introduce a new sanctions regime later this year that will give us enhanced powers to target those involved in undermining peace, stability, security, arms proliferation, suppression of democracy, rule of law, good governance, and other hostile activities towards the UK and our partners.

  • Kerry McCarthy Lab/Co-op Bristol East

    Question

    What measures is the Government taking to support journalists threatened by the Iranian regime?

    Minister reply

    We are working closely with our international partners, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the EU, to reinforce our response. We emphasise that we will pursue any Iranian agent who would harm UK or our allies and continue to work with our partners to identify, expose and counter threats made against us.

  • James Davies Con Selby and Ainsty

    Question

    The Government have established a defending democracy taskforce. Can the Minister update the House on its progress?

    Minister reply

    Our police, security and intelligence agencies are working together around the clock to identify, deter and prevent Iranian threats. The taskforce is protecting the integrity of our democracy from foreign interference.

  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Question

    In the last year, Iran has grown its charge sheet significantly. The security services have foiled 15 plots against Britain and Iran continues to detain UK-Iranian dual nationals including Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof. Labour calls for stronger sanctions and a new joint FCDO and Home Office state threats cell to coordinate action. We proposed proscription mechanisms in the National Security Bill but were not supported.

    Minister reply

    We echo David Lammy's comments about the Iranian people, noting that our quarrel is with their leadership. On proscription, we keep under review the response to Iranian state threats and sanction the IRGC entirely. We do not need legislation for consular support and always seek to discharge our duty to British nationals. We are focused on preventing Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons technology and work closely with E3 and the US.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Welcoming new geographically autonomous sanctions regime, she urges Foreign Secretary to update on Morad Tahbaz's status given his ill health. Given we have created an autonomous regime, she asks my right hon Friend to consider a regime in respect of the Chinese Communist Party which has sanctioned those in this House and continually perpetrates transnational oppression.

    Minister reply

    We recognise that no one element alone will resolve all issues but effect is cumulative; working closely with international allies on sanctions response. Whenever I interact with representatives of the Chinese Government, I raise issues such as Hong Kong, sanctioning of British parliamentarians, and fundamental disagreement with actions towards Uyghur Muslims.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Question

    Welcomes measures against Iran but asks for a rough date on when legislation will come before the end of the year. Asks why IRGC was sanctioned rather than proscribed as it was promised six months ago. Questions why further export controls have not been tightened.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges Scottish National Party's support and assures that response to Iran is a priority but needs to be discussed with the Leader of the House for specific timetabling. Explains difference between sanctioning and proscribing an organisation, noting IRGC remains under review and options are kept open.

  • Theresa Villiers

    Question

    Raises concerns about connections between Islamic Centre of England, IRGC and the Office of the Supreme Leader in UK-based charities. Asks how Government ensures these centres cannot be a threat to Iranian dissidents.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that Home Office and Security Minister take seriously actions by mentioned organisations. Ensures Charity Commission discharges its duty to ensure no harassment or persecution occurs through UK-based charities.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Question

    Asks about the last time Morad Tahbaz's case was raised with Iranian counterparts and asks for strategy to secure his release.

    Minister reply

    States that officials regularly raise consular issues, including detainees, with Iran. Confirms meetings with Tahbaz’s family and ongoing work with US towards securing his permanent release.

  • James Duddridge

    Question

    Welcomes sanctions but asks to look at Iran's activities elsewhere such as drones provided to Polisario in southern Algeria, Tigray, South Sudan destabilising regions.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that credible reporting of military support from Iran to Russia and militia groups across Africa is considered for future sanctions against the Iranian regime.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Welcomes statement, looks forward to legislation passing quickly. Asks Foreign Secretary to rename street of the Iranian embassy after Mahsa Amini to hold IRGC accountable.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges importance of Iranian women's courage but notes naming thoroughfares is a decision for local government rather than central Government.

  • Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

    Question

    Welcomes support for BBC Persian and Iran International. Asks for confirmation of Government’s support for these services.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that funding arrangement with BBC World Service ensures no language services will be closed during this Parliament, emphasising the importance of truth and freedom provided by the BBC Persian service.

  • Andrew Slaughter Lab Hammersmith and Chiswick

    Question

    Puzzled by Foreign Secretary's statement to Liberal Democrat about local authorities handling foreign policy decisions. Expresses concern over execution of Alireza Akbari, wanting more efforts from the regime for their release.

    Minister reply

    Explains that street naming is not a foreign policy issue but assures regular and senior contact with representatives of the Iranian Government on detainee issues.

  • Stephen Crabb Con Beckenham

    Question

    I welcome the action that my right hon. Friend has announced to the House this afternoon. He mentioned Russia’s use of Iranian drone technology in Ukraine, and we understand that a sunset clause in the joint comprehensive plan of action could allow for acquisition of ballistic weapons from Iran by October if activated by the UK and EU. Can the Foreign Secretary give a strong assurance to the House that he will work in lockstep with our colleagues in the EU to prevent this?

    Minister reply

    My right hon. Friend highlights an important point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Preventing Russian acquisition of Iranian technologies, including drones and ballistic weapons, is a priority for us. We are regularly discussing this matter with E3 and United States counterparts, and I can assure him that we remain committed to stopping such technology from falling into the wrong hands.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Question

    Iran is known for arming, funding and training Palestinian terror groups in the west bank. The leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad has even acknowledged Iranian-supplied weaponry being crucial to their operations. This exacerbates the instability in Jenin. Does my right hon. Friend agree that such destabilising activities underline the importance of the sanctions toolkit announced today? Does he further affirm the need not only to have these measures but also to utilise them effectively?

    Minister reply

    I completely concur with my hon. Friend on the wrongfulness of Iran’s support for violence and terrorism in the Middle East, which harms the Palestinian people. We continue to prioritise peace between Israelis and Palestinians by working against violent interference from Iran, and will persistently take action to deter such activities.

  • Anna Firth Con Croydon North

    Question

    I welcome this package of strengthened sanctions. Last week’s Free Iran Global Summit highlighted the gross human rights violations in Iran, including 300 executions and women oppression, as well as the killing of innocent children through shooting and poisoning. The conference also discussed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While my right hon. Friend mentioned the proscription of IRGC, will he assure me that such a step remains under close review?

    Minister reply

    I can assure my hon. Friend that we maintain a thoughtful yet firm approach towards Iran and always keep all options open for review. Our decisions are guided by our own security needs as well as the safety of our allies in the region, including the Iranian people suffering from their Government’s brutality. We will utilise pre-existing sanctions packages to deter Iran's behaviour effectively.

Shadow Comment

David Lammy

In the last year, Iran has funded violent militias across the Middle East, supplied drones to Russia that menace Ukraine's cities and destroy infrastructure, continued its nuclear programme in breach of international commitments, executed more people than almost any other country, detained UK-Iranian dual nationals, and harassed regime critics here. Labour calls for stronger sanctions against Iran, a new joint FCDO and Home Office state threats cell, consular assistance rights for British nationals, and an update on the proscription of the IRGC. The Government must ensure Iranian and British journalists can operate without fear or intimidation and take steps to bring home UK-Iranian dual nationals detained abroad.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy