Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Transnational Repression in the UK 2025-09-01

01 September 2025 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Alex Sobel Lab/Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

Democracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alex Sobel raised concerns about transnational repression in the uk 2025-09-01 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Committee on Human Rights believes transnational repression threatens fundamental rights in the UK.
  • China, Russia, and Iran are highlighted as perpetrators in recent cases.
  • MI5 reports a 48% increase in state threat investigations in the last year.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Alex Sobel Lab/Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

The Committee on Human Rights believes that transnational repression is a serious and under-recognised threat, impacting fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The report highlights China, Russia, and Iran as the most flagrant perpetrators in the UK, with recent high-profile cases including bounties against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and Iran’s intimidation of UK-based journalists. MI5 has seen a 48% increase in state threat investigations in the last year. The Committee recommends adopting a formal definition of transnational repression and establishing data collection mechanisms.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asked if the Committee had considered transnational repression against individuals from Iran living in exile, mentioning his work with religious freedom groups. The Committee heard testimony from an Iranian diaspora member nearly killed outside of Iran due to state-directed violence.

  • Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

    Acknowledged the chilling effect transnational repression has on individuals and communities, citing a meeting with Bracknell’s Hong Kong community where some members were too afraid to attend. Emphasised that no individual or community should feel unable to engage in democratic processes due to fear of repercussions.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    The Member questions the adequacy of current anti-SLAPP measures and legislation. He points out that a private Member's Bill aimed at introducing anti-SLAPP legislation was proposed but failed in the previous government. The Member asks whether more needs to be done on this issue and how soon such action should be taken.

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