Sanctions: Iran

Asked if the Government will update on proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is a key component of destabilisation sponsored by the Iranian regime.

Not specified in the provided transcript.

Iran’s threat to global security is escalating with its involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine by transferring drones and missiles. The UK must support Ukraine's use of long-range weaponry to deter further escalation. Domestically, the UK has faced numerous Iranian assassination plots since 2022, highlighting the need for continued sanctions and a proactive strategy to reduce Iran’s influence.

The Labour party acknowledges the importance of de-escalation in the region due to the growing security risk for the UK. The Minister is called upon to redouble efforts with calls for restraint from all parties involved, emphasising the need for international cooperation and stability.

Supports UK sanctions against Iran. Welcomes today’s measures but urges for more actions such as proscription of IRGC as a terrorist organisation, questioning the status of JCPOA and asking about consular assistance rights.

Welcomes the Government’s measures on Iran. Acknowledges Iran's threat to regional and global stability and supports further actions if needed, urging the FCDO to keep a close eye on Iranian threats.

I strongly welcome the regulations. As my hon. Friend and the Minister have made clear, Iran is a malign influence fuelling serious conflicts around the world. The measures to stop weapons supply from Iran to Russia will help Ukraine's victory plan but more support for Ukraine is needed. We must also look at sanctions enforcement against countries like North Korea aiding Russia. Magnitsky sanctions are established to uphold human rights and address issues such as press freedom, with Iran ranked 176th globally. The IRGC is behind attacks on journalists in London and their families face threats; the IRGC should be proscribed. Investigative reports show that Iran’s oil sales, despite sanctions, end up in China via front organisations, highlighting loopholes to close down.

Supporting the extension of sanctions on Iran, condemning its regime, and supporting women and girls fighting for rights. Iranian violations include funding terrorist groups and hostile actions against UK or other countries. The IRGC's response to protests over Mahsa Amini’s death was brutal, with over 550 protesters killed by security forces since 1979. Women face systemic discrimination, lack of protection against domestic violence, and at least 165 women were killed in honour killings between March 2021 and June 2023. The Baha’i faith faces severe repression. Despite international resolutions, Iran continues human rights abuses; the UK must press for respect and accountability.

I rise in support of the regulations expanding existing sanctions on Iran, targeting goods and technology related to its military development. I emphasise that Iran's supply of UAVs and missiles prolongs the war in Ukraine and risks further conflict escalation. The UK Government must uphold a rules-based international order by applying pressure through sanctions against Iran for contravening international law. Sanctions are vital tools for ensuring compliance with human rights laws, particularly concerning the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. While I acknowledge past efforts to encourage Iran's compliance, more needs to be done to monitor the effectiveness of these measures. Additionally, sanctions should form part of a comprehensive strategy including peacekeeping initiatives.

I welcome today’s motion to approve Iranian sanctions as an essential response to Iran's growing military threat. By targeting goods and technology related to UAVs and missiles, we disrupt Iran’s capability to fuel conflicts in the Middle East and support Russia's war against Ukraine. Since August 2022, Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of Shahed-136 drones, causing extensive damage in Ukraine. Moreover, recent US confirmation that Iran transferred ballistic missiles to Russia highlights the need for stricter sanctions. We must also take stronger action within the UK by using Magnitsky sanctions to target those financially supporting Iran’s military operations and cut off their access to financial hubs like London.

I should point out that we do not just have these regulations. Continuing on from measures under the previous Administration, on 2 September we sanctioned four IRGC Quds Force targets who have a role supporting Iranian proxy actions in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. We announced sanctions against 15 Iranian and Russian targets on 10 September, cancelled our bilateral air service arrangements with Iran Air and targeted those who were involved in a series of actions.

It is clear from the tenor of the House—I have to say as a woman that I find it incredibly moving to hear my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Dr Mullan) and the hon. Member for Ceredigion Preseli (Ben Lake) speaking so strongly for the women who continue to be raped and blinded by the Iranian regime—that the House is saying that we want to see more effort on this. I would be grateful if the Minister committed to taking that away.

Again, I apologise for not being here earlier to ask the Minister a question directly. The IRGC is quite clearly the leader of Iran’s private army. It is involved in some of the worst repression, murders and despicable acts across all of Iran. Is it not time to collate all this information and put it together to hold those people accountable for what they are doing, and for human rights abuses in Iran?