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Question
What are the legal underpinnings of today's announcement? Have we followed proper procedures?
Minister reply
The measures outlined follow established protocols for responding to threats from hostile regimes. We have engaged with international partners such as France and Germany, triggered snapback sanctions against Iran, and ensured compliance with domestic security laws.
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Question
The shadow Foreign Secretary asked for an assessment of the scale and numbers killed in Iran's protest crackdown, raised concerns over the Foreman case, questioned snapback measures timing, and inquired about proscribing the IRGC.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper responded by expressing fear that the number of deaths could be significantly higher due to internet blackout. She confirmed raising the Foremans' case with Iran before Christmas and ongoing efforts with allies for further sanctions. Regarding snapback measures, she explained previous Conservative Government's non-compliance issue, which was supported on a cross-party basis. On proscribing IRGC, she highlighted her commission of the Jonathan Hall review to reform legislation.
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Question
Asked about potential US response under Donald Trump's administration in support of Iranian protesters or defending American bases if Iranians retaliate.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper stated that the US response is a matter for their Government, avoiding speculation. She emphasised increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran through international cooperation.
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Question
Welcomed new sanctions but asked to sanction senior Iranian leadership personally including Supreme Leader Khamenei and proscribing the IRGC. Also inquired about UN Security Council ICC investigation for crimes against humanity.
Minister reply
Yvette Cooper welcomed Calum Miller's support for protesters' bravery and Iran's illegitimacy, committed to new sanctions legislation but did not provide specific commitments on personal sanctions or IRGC proscription without full legislative review. She confirmed plans for satellite capabilities to record human rights abuses.
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Question
What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with partners to co-ordinate efforts to promote human rights, including prisoner treatment?
Minister reply
We have been having many discussions with our partners. The Prime Minister put out a statement in conjunction with France and Germany on Friday as part of the E3. We also pursued action through the UN regarding resolutions on women's and journalists' repression.
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Question
What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with partners to co-ordinate efforts to promote human rights, including prisoner treatment?
Minister reply
We have been having many discussions with our partners. The Prime Minister put out a statement in conjunction with France and Germany on Friday as part of the E3. We also pursued action through the UN regarding resolutions on women's and journalists' repression.
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Question
When will the Government bring forward Jonathan Hall KC’s statutory alert and liability threat notice vehicle?
Minister reply
The proper proscription processes take place, and future legislation decisions are taken by the Home Office. However, I strongly feel about this issue and its urgency.
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Question
Will she ensure that sanctions hit Iranian authorities responsible for brutal violence instead of innocent protesters?
Minister reply
The UK does not sanction food or medicines, and targeted decisions are made to focus on those responsible for damage rather than ordinary people.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that external media such as the BBC Persian service is important in Iran despite threats?
Minister reply
The work of our police and security services ensures people are kept safe. The BBC Persian service has impacted independent journalism with one in four Iranians accessing it.
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Question
What is the Foreign Secretary doing to ensure that the people of Iran can hear Britain’s message of friendship and support?
Minister reply
Restoring communications is crucial. The regime is not allowing Iranian voices to be heard, but we need an Iran without repression.
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Question
Should the UK and Europeans impose every possible further sanction on this pariah regime?
Minister reply
We are talking to other countries about restoring communications through access to Starlink. We are also considering what further sanctions can be applied.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary assure us that the British Government are putting the strongest possible pressure on Iran’s regime?
Minister reply
We continue to raise our total condemnation of what is happening through direct engagement with the Iranian regime and various international forums.
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Question
Will she consider proscription of the IRGC? Will she look longer-term at support for civil society?
Minister reply
We are working on further measures regarding proscription. We have seen the action taken to support US interdiction and will also address support for civil society.
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Question
Can she confirm that she is talking to our European counterparts about co-ordinating proscription measures?
Minister reply
We are considering further legislation for future threats and addressing technical issues around proscription processes.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary reassure the House that freedom and justice will remain at the heart of British foreign policy? What lessons can be learned from history, particularly regarding regime change in the Middle East?
Minister reply
Freedom is indeed a universal right that emanates from people’s hearts. We must learn from historical mistakes to ensure that any future actions align with human rights values and support the Iranian people's pursuit of a better future.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary listen to the advice of right hon. Member for Tonbridge, who is advocating for dialogue with other partners, including activists in the UK, about supporting a better future if the regime falls?
Minister reply
We want to see a better future for Iran and its people, who must be allowed to shape their own destiny. We will continue to support international action against the regime’s brutality.
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Question
Will the Government rule out UK participation in any planned US military intervention in Iran without multilateral authorisation?
Minister reply
We are not setting out U.S. foreign policy; our actions include sanctions and working with international allies to increase economic and diplomatic pressure.
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Question
What conversations is the Foreign Secretary having with G7 and European allies about using new technology to record human rights abuses in Iran?
Minister reply
We are already discussing how communications can be restored and will ensure my hon. Friend's question on technology is addressed.
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Question
What meetings and conversations are taking place with allies regarding the broader instability in Iran and its impact on the Gulf region?
Minister reply
We are alert to regional instability caused by the Iranian regime’s actions, including extremist proxies supported by Iran. We discuss these issues with our allies.
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Question
What support is being given to the Iranian diaspora in the UK who are critical of the regime, especially regarding security threats against journalists?
Minister reply
The Security Minister has taken action on transnational repression from Iran. People living in the UK need to feel safe and free to debate without threat.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary commit to showing political courage to help young protesters facing execution, given their bravery?
Minister reply
We urgently call for an end to violence in Iran, including reported executions and brutality. The whole world watches these horrific scenes.
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Question
What co-ordinated diplomatic response is being pursued with the US and Middle East allies regarding mass protests and potential instability in Iran?
Minister reply
We want to see stability across the region, ensuring safety for the Iranian people and neighbouring states. We are monitoring risks of instability carefully.
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Question
What discussions has she had with the Iranian opposition to ensure a transition from this regime to a friendly, democratic and peaceful one?
Minister reply
Some of the greatest bravery is shown by women in Iran facing additional repression. We pay tribute to their courage.
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Question
What are the Government doing to combat Iranian regime's malign activities in this country, including through the work of the new joint state threats unit?
Minister reply
We see hybrid threats including proxies, criminal gangs and terrorist-like behaviour. The Security Minister drives forward action against these threats.
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Question
Does she agree that we should be standing four-square behind signatories of the Abraham accords, including Israel, UAE and Bahrain?
Minister reply
Support for peace and stability in the region is important. We saw an international consensus around the peace process in Gaza.
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Question
What is the FCDO’s thinking regarding an official registration service for dual nationals currently stuck in Iran, given internet blackouts?
Minister reply
We understand the challenges faced by those stuck in Iran due to blackouts. We are considering options to support them should the situation escalate.
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Question
Will she confirm that if the United States does take targeted military action, she will join us in supporting it?
Minister reply
Obviously, it is for the US to set out its approach. I welcome the hon. Member’s condemnation of the brutality but would note her party's comments on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have less credibility.
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Question
Can you assure me and the House that you are looking at the specific issue of how the British-Iranian community can donate back to Iran?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will understand the importance of having an effective sanctions regime but I am happy to talk further about his point regarding donations by the British-Iranian community.
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Question
What assessment has the Foreign Office made on foreign militias employed by Iran?
Minister reply
We are particularly sensitive to the broader issue of Iranian regime activity across the region, including support for terrorist proxies and organisations. We will continue to address these threats through discussions.
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Question
To what extent can we reduce Iran’s oil exports in the coming years?
Minister reply
We are continuing to increase pressure on shadow fleets and broader threats posed by Iranian regime activities, including those involving oil revenues.
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Question
Will Britain be involved militarily with Israel or the USA in Iran now?
Minister reply
The future of Iran must be for its people. We are urging an immediate end to violence and fundamental change, not military intervention.
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Question
May I urge the Government to move at greater pace on the issue of proscription of the IRGC?
Minister reply
We take seriously threats from Iranian-backed activities against Jewish communities in the UK, and we have increased training for police forces.
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Question
Could the Foreign Secretary get organised now to proscribe the IRGC as a demonstration that we will not tolerate this regime?
Minister reply
There is clear agreement between Home Office and Foreign Office on the importance of ensuring we have right tools to deal with state-backed threats, as highlighted in Jonathan Hall review.
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Question
When do the Government plan to bring forward legislative framework proposed by Jonathan Hall?
Minister reply
We ensure we have broad powers in UK, IRGC is sanctioned already, and counter-terrorism police pursue any threat from regime here.
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Question
What measures is the Secretary of State taking to support ordinary Iranian citizens protesting?
Minister reply
We have summoned the Iranian ambassador, condemned brutality, pursued further sanctions and economic pressure on the regime.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary reject instincts blaming US, UK, Israel, west for current situation?
Minister reply
Responsibility lies squarely with the Iranian regime for deaths and killings seen in Iran.
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Question
Is she considering other concrete measures against countries engaging in sanctions busting?
Minister reply
We need to call on all countries around world to respect UN sanctions process and not support Iranian regime.
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Question
Will she ensure that voices of female activists in Iran can be part of building new democracy?
Minister reply
We stand firm condemning human rights abuses and repression; UK will work towards peaceful resolution respecting rights of all Iranian citizens.
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Question
Inquires about the tools available for police and security services to keep Britain safe from Iran and its proxies.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary assured that the police and security services have full backing in their efforts to combat state-backed threats, including those from Iran.
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Question
Asks for assurance that practical measures are being explored to increase information flow into and out of Iran.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary stated that the UK aims to support the people of Iran in communicating with each other, emphasising their basic rights.
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Question
Inquires about the Government’s priorities in the region and if they will focus solely on peace and stability.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary assured that the UK supports a ceasefire plan for Gaza, emphasising ongoing work to support humanitarian efforts and decommission weapons.
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Question
Asks about an estimate of Iran’s dependence on China's support.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary urged China to support the UN sanctions process triggered by the UK, France and Germany.
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Question
Concerned about financial secrecy in overseas territories enabling sanctions dodging.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary stated that efforts are being made for greater transparency in the overseas territories, with actions taken by some territories to implement sanctions effectively.
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Question
Asks if religious freedom and rights of Christians will be prioritised in diplomatic efforts.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary assured that the UK pursues issues related to freedom of belief through a UK envoy, emphasising its importance for people of all faiths.