House of Commons · Urgent Question
19 January 2026 · 34 other contributors
Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Priti Patel raised concerns about iran protests 2026-01-19 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the British Government’s response to the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on protests? The UK is deeply concerned about reports of protesters being killed in cold blood and injured due to shortages of medical supplies. There must be accountability for these human rights violations.
Question
What is the Government’s assessment of the numbers killed and injured, reports that chemical weapons were used against protesters, those imprisoned and being tortured? What did their ambassador say when he was summoned last week?
Minister reply
The government does not have a precise figure on deaths due to restricted internet access since 8 January. The regime has deflected responsibility but there is no excuse for the scale of bloodshed seen in relation to those protests. The Iranian people have rights that we hold dear and will continue to press these points with the regime.
Question
Can the Minister give confidence that Britain and the international community will not abandon the Iranian people for geopolitical expediency?
Minister reply
We will not abandon the Iranian people. The Iranian regime must uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens without fear of reprisal.
Question
When will sanctions against leaders of the regime and IRGC be introduced? What dialogue have Ministers had about an International Criminal Court investigation?
Minister reply
The government is progressing legislation at pace to introduce further sanctions. The process of the ICC is independent, but we are discussing closely with allies on steps that can be taken.
Question
What support will the UK Government offer protesters fighting for freedom?
Minister reply
The government will do everything it can to ensure the rights of protesters are protected and is discussing closely with allies on steps that can be taken.
Question
When will the IRGC, a principal instrument for terrorism abroad, be proscribed?
Minister reply
We are committed to taking forward recommendations through the creation of a state threats proscription-like tool, but we have not closed our embassy in Tehran and expect it to be fully functional soon.
Question
Will the UK seek to impose sanctions on human rights grounds linked with this brutal Iranian regime?
Minister reply
We are separately considering human rights sanctions in relation to abuses seen, separate from snapback-related sanctions.
Question
What discussions are the Government having with G7 colleagues and European partners to send a united message of condemnation for the Iranian protests?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary and I have been in extensive discussions over the last few days, including at Davos, to ensure a united international response.
Question
What are the Government doing to support internet access across Iran for evidence collection against perpetrators of violence?
Minister reply
We are working with our allies, both publicly and privately, to press the Iranian authorities to restore internet access.
Question
What form of support was promised by President Trump, and what involvement does the UK have in supporting protesters? What is the technical mechanism behind Iran’s internet shutdown?
Minister reply
I will write to my hon. Friend regarding technical questions but cannot delve too deeply due to sensitivity.
Question
Can sanctions packages be enough to limit the Iranian regime's ability to regain strength post-protests?
Minister reply
What happens next is a question for the Iranian people themselves, not London or Washington. We are focused on ensuring peaceful protest rights without fear of reprisal.
Question
Are all options being kept open with partners to degrade the IRGC's ability to kill protesters?
Minister reply
We are deeply concerned about violence against protesters and strongly condemn killings. We urge peaceful protest rights without fear of reprisal.
Question
What is being done to ensure the safety of British nationals, including Matthew Pascoe, in light of potential US airstrikes?
Minister reply
We are working closely with our American counterparts on force protection questions. We have been in touch with families of detained individuals and advise adhering to travel advice.
Question
How is the Government working with the Iranian diaspora in the UK for support and reassurance?
Minister reply
Wider community concerns are a question for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Question
When is the embassy likely to reopen and when will the IRGC be proscribed?
Minister reply
I am not able to provide a timeframe for reopening the embassy or proscribing the IRGC.
Question
Why does it take further time for sanctions and proscription measures against the IRGC?
Minister reply
The legislation will be Home Office legislation based on recommendations from the Jonathan Hall review.
Question
Can the Minister use consensus to proscribe the IRGC as soon as possible?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman’s points are well noted, and I will pass on the strength of his feeling to the Security Minister.
Question
What measures are in place to prevent IRGC from funding its crackdown through British-based companies?
Minister reply
If my hon. Friend writes to me, I am happy to provide a more detailed answer regarding sanctions compliance.
Question
Given that the Iranian regime is attacking its people and posing a credible threat to Jewish people in the UK, will the Minister outline what discussions are taking place across Government to monitor potential threats and ensure the safety of the Jewish population?
Minister reply
I have repeatedly stated to our Iranian counterparts and the Foreign Secretary that any threats against British people of any faith or denomination will be treated with utmost seriousness. We have reiterated this strength of feeling to representatives from the Jewish community in the UK.
Question
Considering President Trump's encouragement for Iranian protesters and his suggestion that help is on its way, does the Minister know what the US Government has in mind?
Minister reply
US posture and policy towards Iran are matters for the US Government.
Question
Many Members of this House are concerned about the influence of Iranian ayatollahs in Britain. Despite the lack of protests here, there is significant concern about potential threats to Jewish people due to ongoing events in Iran. Can the Minister explain how the Government is addressing these concerns?
Minister reply
We are aware of considerable concern caused by the protests and taking measures to address it, particularly regarding places of sensitivity such as synagogues.
Question
What co-ordination has the Minister had with US allies on their approach towards Iran? Are we aligned in our actions?
Minister reply
We are aware of the degree of anxiety within Iran due to internet restrictions. While US policy and posture towards Iran is a matter for them, we are in close consultations with our American counterparts.
Question
Given the brutal repression by the Iranian regime against protesters, does the Minister agree that continued pressure on Iran to end this barbarity is necessary?
Minister reply
I do. We oppose any and all executions in Iran and will keep up pressure on the regime.
Question
How much more will it take for this Government to proscribe that terror group, the IRGC? Will they also consider proscribing the Muslim Brotherhood?
Minister reply
We are discussing the IRGC proscription process. On 'Muslim Brotherhood', we cover a range of groups including Hamas, and where there is a violent threat, we take action.
Question
Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the BBC World Service and BBC Persian for their vital work in reporting on Iran?
Minister reply
I will. The BBC World Service is a lifeline, especially under difficult circumstances.
Question
Can the Minister update the House on the medical condition of Craig and Lindsay Foreman since the outbreak of violence in Iran? When was he last informed of their condition?
Minister reply
We have had consular access relatively recently, and I have spoken to the families twice since protests began. Those people are at the forefront of my mind.
Question
Will the Minister assure me that our law enforcement is taking every step possible to manage risks from Iranian influence? Will he also contribute positively to the BBC charter review consultation?
Minister reply
Law enforcement uses full powers under the National Security Act 2023. We have a special relationship with the BBC, and I confirm their positive work in that troubled part of the world.
Question
Will the Government act faster on proscribing the IRGC? Will the Minister support stronger diplomatic consequences for this brutal regime?
Minister reply
We are committed to implementing Hall review recommendations. We have taken actions recently, and more will be shared with the House shortly.
Question
Will the Minister pass on my thanks for listing Iran under the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme? What difference does this make?
Minister reply
Putting Iran on FIRS means there is a new offence of acting on behalf of the Iranian regime without proper declaration, making it harder for people to do so without legal repercussions.
Question
Considering the calls for sanctions and proscription of IRGC, is the Minister considering past interventions' legacies in his deliberations?
Minister reply
We are committed to addressing threats from state actors like Iran's IRGC, and will continue our work under existing frameworks.
Question
What extra support is the Minister giving the BBC to ensure that the World Service and BBC Persian are boosted in Iran, so that we can get information through and give people a lifeline?
Minister reply
I am very grateful to the hon. Member for his question. I pay tribute to him for his experience. The British World Service is vital, and we are thinking about how its future can be ensured.
Question
Given the horrific scenes of pro-democracy protesters being attacked by the police in London over the weekend, what steps will the Minister take to ensure that peaceful protest can take place in this country?
Minister reply
We completely support peaceful protest. Diplomatic premises are subject to particular protections under the law, and we have been discussing with the Security Minister throughout the weekend to ensure we get it right.
Question
How would the Minister advise constituents when they ask why the Government will not proscribe the IRGC, given that their families are in danger?
Minister reply
We will do everything we can to ensure that the protesters are able to enjoy their rights and that communications restrictions are lifted. We oppose completely the current situation.
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with the United States about ensuring the safety of our citizens, protecting Iranian citizens from sustained terrorism, and showing Iran that its recent abhorrent actions will no longer be tolerated?
Minister reply
We have already discussed our attitude towards the protests. We are not threatening physical action against the IRGC in Tehran. We want the whole Iranian regime to respect the rights of their people.
Government Response
The United Kingdom condemns the killing of Iranian protesters and the brutal repression against public protest. The government has issued statements, called out Iran at the UN Security Council, and is bringing forward legislation to impose additional restrictive measures on sectors including oil, energy, nuclear, and financial systems. On 1 October, snapback sanctions were implemented in full by reinstating six previously terminated United Nations sanctions resolutions. Further measures will target finance, energy, transport, and other significant industries. We continue to work with the European Union and our partners to explore additional measures needed.