Backbench Business

The debate condemns the brutal murder of a girl in police custody as an act of violence by the Iranian government. It highlights the lack of freedom, human rights abuses, and censorship in Iran, including internet restrictions. The speaker emphasises that political opposition faces severe treatment, with high numbers of executions and arrests. Women are severely discriminated against under Iranian law. The regime uses cyber-attacks to threaten Albania, which hosts refugees from Iran's oppressive regime. The debate urges the UK Government to work closely with international partners to sanction Iran and proscribe the IRGC.

Supports Bob Blackman’s call for the proscription of the IRGC, highlighting the high execution rate in Iran, which has executed over 350 protesters and dissidents since September. She calls for an international fact-finding mission to be sent by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate conditions for political prisoners and detained protesters.

Raises concerns about the influence of Iran in the UK through its infiltration into an all-party parliamentary group’s secretariat. He suggests that these groups need to be exposed for their links with Iranian foreign policy and calls for action against such entities.

Congratulates the speaker on securing the debate, highlighting MI5’s intervention in disrupting up to 15 kidnapping and assassination attempts in the UK linked to Iran. She supports proscription as a means of granting security services additional powers to dismantle any foothold that the IRGC has in the UK.

Responded to the ruling by confirming arrangements for a substantial dossier of information to be left with Mr Speaker.

Congratulated Bob Blackman on setting the scene and highlighted the importance of addressing violations of freedom of religion or belief in Iran. He emphasised Iran's support for terrorist groups, called for faster responses from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to written questions, raised concerns about violations against women and children, and questioned the effectiveness of sanctions imposed by the UK. Shannon also expressed concern over trade regulations that might include human rights requirements.

The debate concerns the lack of democracy in Iran, where elections are not free or fair due to the power held by the unelected Guardian Council. Martyn Day highlights that ultimate authority lies with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his institutions. He notes the pervasive corruption and restrictions on media and civil society, as well as human rights abuses including executions and discrimination against women. The SNP condemns Iran’s role in state-sponsored terrorism and encourages stronger sanctions such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Day also supports calls for international observers to visit Iranian prisons.

Committed the hon. Member for Harrow East for introducing this debate and highlighted the importance of raising concerns about Iran's repressive regime, elections, human rights violations, and support for terrorism in the Middle East. He also mentioned the threat posed by Iran to UK citizens, including targeting BBC Persian staff and individuals from the Iranian diaspora. Wayne David emphasised that Labour supports sanctions on Iran but will introduce further measures if necessary, such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Minister responded on behalf of the Government, emphasising unwavering support for democracy and freedom worldwide. He highlighted Iran’s human rights violations, including the death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent crackdowns on protesters. The UK has sanctioned 94 individuals and entities since October 2022 due to human rights abuses in Iran. Women's rights issues were a key focus, with female labour force participation at only 17%. Minister Rutley also addressed freedom of religion or belief, calling for the release of imprisoned religious minorities. He discussed Iran’s interference in other countries and its nuclear programme, and mentioned ongoing efforts to combat Iranian malign activity.

Introduced Bob Blackman to speak and thanked the Minister for comments on the all-party parliamentary group dossier.

Called upon Members from across the House to send a joint message to Iran, urging for a free and democratic state with equal rights for women. Criticised the Iranian government's increasing number of executions and activities by the IRGC, questioning why they are not proscribed entirely. Urged the Government to consider proscribing the IRGC and working towards further sanctions on Iran.