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Backbench Business
01 February 2024
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The House condemns unreservedly the violent suppression of protests in Iran by its police force, expresses concern over Tehran’s use of terrorism and cyber attacks to suppress opposition, calls on European governments to protect Iranian dissidents, urges proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and demands international sanctions against Iran for illegal activities.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
The debate condemns the brutal murder of a girl in police custody as an act of violence by the Iranian government. It highlights the lack of freedom, human rights abuses, and censorship in Iran, including internet restrictions. The speaker emphasises that political opposition faces severe treatment, with high numbers of executions and arrests. Women are severely discriminated against under Iranian law. The regime uses cyber-attacks to threaten Albania, which hosts refugees from Iran's oppressive regime. The debate urges the UK Government to work closely with international partners to sanction Iran and proscribe the IRGC.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
Supports Bob Blackman’s call for the proscription of the IRGC, highlighting the high execution rate in Iran, which has executed over 350 protesters and dissidents since September. She calls for an international fact-finding mission to be sent by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate conditions for political prisoners and detained protesters.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Raises concerns about the influence of Iran in the UK through its infiltration into an all-party parliamentary group’s secretariat. He suggests that these groups need to be exposed for their links with Iranian foreign policy and calls for action against such entities.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Batley and Spen
Congratulates the speaker on securing the debate, highlighting MI5’s intervention in disrupting up to 15 kidnapping and assassination attempts in the UK linked to Iran. She supports proscription as a means of granting security services additional powers to dismantle any foothold that the IRGC has in the UK.
Responded to the ruling by confirming arrangements for a substantial dossier of information to be left with Mr Speaker.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Congratulated Bob Blackman on setting the scene and highlighted the importance of addressing violations of freedom of religion or belief in Iran. He emphasised Iran's support for terrorist groups, called for faster responses from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to written questions, raised concerns about violations against women and children, and questioned the effectiveness of sanctions imposed by the UK. Shannon also expressed concern over trade regulations that might include human rights requirements.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
The debate concerns the lack of democracy in Iran, where elections are not free or fair due to the power held by the unelected Guardian Council. Martyn Day highlights that ultimate authority lies with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his institutions. He notes the pervasive corruption and restrictions on media and civil society, as well as human rights abuses including executions and discrimination against women. The SNP condemns Iran’s role in state-sponsored terrorism and encourages stronger sanctions such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. Day also supports calls for international observers to visit Iranian prisons.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Committed the hon. Member for Harrow East for introducing this debate and highlighted the importance of raising concerns about Iran's repressive regime, elections, human rights violations, and support for terrorism in the Middle East. He also mentioned the threat posed by Iran to UK citizens, including targeting BBC Persian staff and individuals from the Iranian diaspora. Wayne David emphasised that Labour supports sanctions on Iran but will introduce further measures if necessary, such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
David Rutley
Con
Macclesfield
The Minister responded on behalf of the Government, emphasising unwavering support for democracy and freedom worldwide. He highlighted Iran’s human rights violations, including the death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent crackdowns on protesters. The UK has sanctioned 94 individuals and entities since October 2022 due to human rights abuses in Iran. Women's rights issues were a key focus, with female labour force participation at only 17%. Minister Rutley also addressed freedom of religion or belief, calling for the release of imprisoned religious minorities. He discussed Iran’s interference in other countries and its nuclear programme, and mentioned ongoing efforts to combat Iranian malign activity.
Nigel Evans
Con
Chorley
Introduced Bob Blackman to speak and thanked the Minister for comments on the all-party parliamentary group dossier.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Called upon Members from across the House to send a joint message to Iran, urging for a free and democratic state with equal rights for women. Criticised the Iranian government's increasing number of executions and activities by the IRGC, questioning why they are not proscribed entirely. Urged the Government to consider proscribing the IRGC and working towards further sanctions on Iran.
Government Response
The Minister highlighted several areas of concern including Iran's human rights violations, particularly the treatment of women and religious minorities. He outlined steps taken by the UK to sanction individuals and entities involved in abuses and raised issues such as freedom of religion or belief and Iran’s nuclear programme. The Government is working with international partners to curb Iran’s destabilising activities and has sanctioned more than 400 Iranian individuals, entities and aligned groups.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.