House of Commons · Urgent Question
03 February 2026 · 28 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 2026-02-03 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 Government’s actions regarding the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran? The MP is concerned about the scale of violence and brutality, including reports of tens of thousands killed. She questions the effectiveness of sanctions and asks for further measures to weaken the regime's tools of repression.
Question
What steps are being taken to crack down on sanctions evasion, including oil sales and cryptocurrency usage? What measures are in place to track illegal funding sources and protect UK financial systems?
Minister reply
The Minister responded that the UK has introduced 550 sanctions, including those recently announced. He also mentioned the foreign influence registration scheme which now includes Iran at the top tier with additional reporting requirements.
Question
What discussions have been held with the US Government about their intentions in the Middle East? What plans are in place for British assets and personnel protection if the US decides to strike?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that they have been in regular discussion with regional partners, including the US. He declined to speculate on specific scenarios but highlighted the ongoing dialogue.
Question
What measures are being taken to protect against threats from the Iranian regime, particularly physical attacks on media freedom in the UK?
Minister reply
The Minister assured that any violence linked to Iran would be treated seriously. He reiterated the message given to the Iranian ambassador regarding serious treatment of such incidents.
Question
What concrete steps will the Government take to hold Iran’s leaders accountable for crimes against humanity? Will they pursue action through the United Nations and International Criminal Court?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed ongoing talks with partners about developments in Iran. He did not commit specifically to proscribing the IRGC but highlighted the steps taken including sanctions.
Question
What preparation is being made for potential asylum applications from those affected by the crackdown?
Minister reply
The Minister committed to discussing this issue with Home Office officials to ensure appropriate measures are in place.
Question
Why has there been no widespread protest against Iran’s crackdown, compared to the response seen after Hamas attacks?
Minister reply
The Minister did not directly address this question.
Question
Will the Minister continue to give every support to journalists, human rights activists, and all those seeking to uncover evidence of who is responsible for deaths in Iran? Will he also refer them to the International Criminal Court for prosecution?
Minister reply
The independent fact-finding mission has been voted through by the United Nations, which will help determine responsibility for the deaths. The Minister supports Britain's commitment to international law and is not commenting on hypothetical scenarios regarding use of force.
Question
What are the Government doing to document and preserve evidence? Is the status of Iranian embassy and regime-linked assets under active review? How are we supporting British-Iranian families fearing for loved ones back home?
Minister reply
The Government is aware of reports documenting human rights abuses. Steps include supporting fact-finding missions through the United Nations. The status of regime-linked assets is under review, and support is being provided to British-Iranian families.
Question
Will the Minister reassure the House that this time the Government will speak up for the use of force when it is in compliance with international law, unlike their response to US unilateral action against Venezuela?
Minister reply
The Government are strong supporters of international law and everything done by Britain is consistent with that principle. The Minister will not comment on hypothetical scenarios.
Question
What assurances can the Minister provide for constituents concerned about safety in Iran? What else can he say about proscribing the IRGC?
Minister reply
The Government are committed to findings of the Hall review, which addresses state-analogous processes for proscription. The legislation is being treated as a matter of urgency and will be brought forward through the House.
Question
Will the Minister implement findings and recommendations of Jonathan Hall regarding the IRGC, considering its comparison to state bodies like the Gestapo?
Minister reply
The IRGC is sanctioned in entirety in the UK. The Government are moving with alacrity on these questions.
Question
Can the Minister provide some comfort that legislation will come forward forthwith given that allies have already proscribed the IRGC?
Minister reply
The Government are treating the legislation as a matter of urgency. It is Home Office legislation and will need to go through the House in the usual way.
Question
Will the Government reassure that they are having conversations with US authorities ahead of US-Iran talks, making clear lives and safety of protesters important?
Minister reply
The Government are in regular contact with their counterparts on all questions.
Question
Will Ministers look at proscription of other groups like the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which operates under guise but is linked to the Iranian regime?
Minister reply
The Minister cannot comment on process of sanction or proscription review but has taken remarks to heart.
Question
Will the Minister bring a case to the International Criminal Court against leaders in Iran and if regime change occurs, is there a plan to support what may emerge?
Minister reply
The Minister does not want to speculate about regime change but focuses on protecting rights of Iranian protesters.
Question
Why does the UK not follow suit with EU, US, Canada and Australia in proscribing the IRGC despite the precedent set by Hezbollah's proscription?
Minister reply
The minister argued that Iran's interpretation of recent British actions is not one of weakness. While he acknowledged the urgency, he stated that the sanctions package announced was far-ranging, following a series of steps taken against Iran.
Question
What impact has the UK's foreign influence registration scheme had on Iranian activities in the UK?
Minister reply
The minister explained that hostile states have exploited freedoms in the UK by failing to register agents. The foreign influence registration scheme means it is now an offence for someone not to declare if they are acting as an agent for another country, thus committing a crime.
Question
Will the UK support or enable any violations of international law by other powers in Iran?
Minister reply
Mr Falconer stated that he has set out commitments to international law and would not provide hypotheticals regarding support for any violations.
Question
Why is the UK government moving slowly on proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
Minister reply
The minister reassured that he understands concerns but emphasised that sanctions against the IRGC are far-reaching. He assured the House of bringing forward legislation at a pace without getting ahead of the Leader of the House.
Question
Why has it taken so long to consider proscribing the IRGC and why is there no fast-tracking of legislation?
Minister reply
The minister heard the passion in Bob Blackman's voice but reiterated that they are taking the issue seriously with a far-reaching sanctions package. He will come back to the House once the Leader sets out the timetable.
Question
Does the minister agree that civilian populations in Iran face immense difficulty rising up against oppressors and would he pay tribute to protesting women?
Minister reply
The minister agreed with John Slinger's point about bravery of protesters. He highlighted the courage of female protesters on streets of Iran.
Question
Is there concern over Iranian influence in Georgia and its impact on sanctions evasion?
Minister reply
Mr Falconer noted Mark Pritchard's expertise and warned allies to be careful about relationships with Iran due to its usual malign influence.
Question
Is the UK working with regional partners like Jordan to counter Iranian malign influence?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed discussions on these issues regularly with Jordan and other affected regional powers. He mentioned his business discussion this morning.
Question
What assessment has been made of the threat from IRGC navy exercises in the strait of Hormuz?
Minister reply
The minister thanked his predecessor for questions but declined to comment on operational matters due to sensitivity. He noted regular Iranian exercises and seriousness about free passage of trade.
Question
What measures are being taken by the UK government to exert pressure on Iran regarding human rights violations?
Minister reply
The minister outlined how the Government is doing all that they can to bring pressure on the Iranian regime including embassy arrangements. He agreed with the need for a united and co-ordinated message from us and our allies.
Question
China has no regard for human rights whatsoever, and it is known to be trading with Iran, which is enabling Iran to slaughter its own citizens. What assessment is the Foreign Office making of the details of that trade, and what action is it taking?
Minister reply
I will not speculate on further sanctions from the Dispatch Box, but of course we have kept a close eye on Iran’s interactions with other states, including both China and Russia. This Government imposed sanctions on Iran for supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Question
I thank the Minister for his tone in speaking about this incredibly grave situation. Some 6,500 people have been killed by headshots—they have been blinded and murdered—and thousands have been injured. It is estimated that some 60,000 people have been imprisoned. While it is positive news that there may be talks between our closest ally, the USA, and the despotic regime in Iran, we can never be complacent about the situation. Will the Minister press to secure the release of political prisoners and detained protesters? Will he further ensure that access is granted to the prisons, so that they can be assessed, and to the victims of the protest response?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his concern about these issues. As he would expect, when it comes to the Iranian authorities, we have been focused on ensuring consular access for our nationals who have been detained, but he raises important questions about basic rights, including the right to a fair trial, access to a lawyer and access for families. We call on the Iranians to show those basic courtesies to their own people.
Government Response
Iran’s horrific attacks on protesters have shocked the world. The Minister condemned these attacks in the strongest terms and highlighted that sanctions were announced against Iranian authorities responsible for human rights violations. He emphasised ongoing work with international partners to hold Iran accountable and support fact-finding missions. The UK will continue challenging actions of the regime and supporting fundamental freedoms.