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Backbench Business
12 January 2023
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 37
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 hon. Member Bob Blackman condemned unreservedly the actions of the Iranian government in suppressing protests, urging the inclusion of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the list of proscribed terrorist organisations and calling for further sanctions to be placed on Iran without delay.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
He highlighted Mahsa Amini's death as a catalyst for widespread protests, noted the brutal suppression of these peaceful protesters by the Iranian regime with arrests and threats, and urged colleagues to sponsor prisoners and protesters in support.
Chingford and Woodford Green
He congratulated Bob Blackman for securing the debate and questioned why the UK Government has not proscribed and sanctioned the IRGC, as other countries have done, emphasising that this is a necessary action given the involvement of the guard in brutality against protesters.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
She added her voice to the call for proscription and urged the Minister to consider a lifeboat scheme for brave Iranian women leading protests, noting that this affects communities in the UK as much as it does those in Iran.
Andrew Percy
Con
He agreed with the need for proscription but also highlighted the brutal treatment of LGBT individuals in Iran and emphasised the importance of recognising their plight.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
She pleaded for clemency for Mr Akbari, who is at threat of execution due to protesting against the regime, emphasising the urgency and necessity of action by the Government.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
He agreed that the brutal measures taken by the Iranian regime against protesters and journalists are a sign of perceived threat from them standing up for freedom and women's rights, urging stronger action to support those protesting.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
She emphasised that the erosion of human rights in Iran reverberates globally and urged the Government to take further actions like imposing sanctions after each state murder of a protester.
John Spellar
Lab
He questioned why the IRGC has not been proscribed, similar to Hezbollah, due to its destabilizing activities and role in supporting the Iranian regime.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Greenwood acknowledges the abuses of the Iranian regime and calls on the UK Government to stand with protesters. She also mentions that more than 19,000 people have been arrested since September last year, and over 500 killed, including children. The use of death penalty against protesters is condemned. A specific case of Mehdi Mohammadi Fard, a young man facing the death penalty, is highlighted to illustrate the severity of the situation.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Ferrier raises concerns about the use of lethal force against oppressed ethnic minorities such as the Kurds in Iran. She asks if the UK Government should utilise diplomatic means to apply pressure on Iran to ensure these minorities do not face further discrimination during protest crackdowns.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Ms. Kearns emphasised the ongoing repression by the Iranian regime, highlighting Mahsa Amini's death and the detention of British-Iranian dual nationals like Ali Reza Akbari. She called for urgent sanctions against guards at Evin prison and urged the Minister to expedite action on this issue. Ms. Kearns also suggested considering expelling the chargé d’affaires in London and recalling the ambassador as potential consequences if Iran does not halt its repressive actions. She questioned whether the UK's diplomatic presence in Tehran was yielding meaningful results and advocated for ending hostage-taking negotiations with Iran by sanctioning individuals responsible for such acts. Additionally, she proposed a special envoy or multilateral response to address state hostage taking. Ms. Kearns also raised concerns about Iran’s activities in the UK and its impact on national security, including plots of assassination and intimidation of British journalists.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
The wave of popular uprisings in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini for mis-wearing a hijab, have led to widespread protests against the regime's brutality. The government has responded with violent crackdowns resulting in more than 100 protesters at risk of execution and thousands arrested. Ealing Central and Acton is home to many Iranians, reflecting its significant diaspora community. Constituents describe personal experiences of family members being detained or tortured, highlighting the repression faced by Iranian citizens. The speaker calls for concrete action such as condemning executions, designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, extending sanctions to close family members of regime officials, stopping supply of anti-riot equipment, and maintaining independent media access. She emphasises the importance of supporting peaceful protest movements like 'Woman, Life, Freedom'.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Congratulates Bob Blackman on securing the debate and discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, highlighting the brutal response from the Iranian regime. He mentions over 750 protesters killed by security forces and over 30,000 detained. Jones calls for the UK to lead international efforts against the regime, including proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and invoking global human rights sanctions regulations against officials of the regime.
Patrick Grady
Lab
Glasgow North
Patrick Grady, MP for Glasgow North, commends the debate initiated by Bob Blackman and highlights the strong support from his constituents regarding human rights in Iran. He mentions two active Amnesty International groups within Glasgow North and over 130 signatures from residents supporting petitions related to Iran's protests. He shares testimony from constituents with family in Iran, emphasising the brutality of the Iranian regime and the ongoing protests led by women and girls advocating for 'Woman, Life, Freedom'. Grady calls for action such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ensuring adequate funding for BBC’s Persian service, scrutinizing golden visas awarded to Iranians linked with the regime, imposing Magnitsky sanctions where appropriate, protecting journalists working in the UK, and applying diplomatic pressure on Iran to halt executions. He also raises concerns about military cooperation between Iran and Russia.
Matthew Offord
Con
Hendon
Iran's security forces have killed at least 516 protesters and arrested thousands, with many buried in unmarked graves. The regime is aggressive globally, supporting proxy wars in Yemen and Syria, interfering in Lebanon and Gaza, using drones for attacks, and conducting cyber-attacks on UK Parliament. A bomb threat during a concert by Iranian singer Dariush Eghbali highlights the fear among British-Iranian civilians. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action released $100 billion to Iran, emboldening its aggressive tactics. The UK Government's response is insufficient; more action is needed such as cutting political ties and invoking snapback sanctions.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
We have a responsibility to those being held in jail, awaiting trial, sentence or even execution, that their cries for help do not go unheard. The Iranian regime is using the death penalty as a tool of oppression, silencing people and instilling fear. There has been well-informed discussion about whether we should proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, and I join calls for the Government to follow suit. Protesters have my admiration and full solidarity; however, sanctions are not enough. We must stop scheduled executions by securing independent access to trials and trying to hold the Iranian regime accountable.
Anna Firth
Con
Essex South
Congratulates the Backbench Business Committee and expresses support for women's rights in Iran. Acknowledges the brutality of the Iranian regime and calls for more action against it, including proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation to signal that its time is up.
Hayes and Harlington
McDonnell expressed his support for the workers' movement in Iran, emphasising the importance of solidarity with those fighting for democracy. He mentioned the proscription of the revolutionary guard and the implementation of Magnitsky sanctions as positive steps but was shocked by threats to the BBC Persian service funding. McDonnell highlighted historical examples such as the strikes that led to the Shah's fall in 1979, noting how these movements have historically been pivotal in political changes. He also discussed current struggles faced by workers in Iran under high inflation and suppressed wages, emphasising the need for international solidarity through trade union organisations.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
I congratulate the hon. Member for Harrow East on securing this debate and express my solidarity with Iranian people against their regime's repression and abuse, supported by constituents' concerns. The extensive use of force against protesters is horrific, resulting in over 300 deaths including 40 children and more than 18,000 arrests. I condemn the execution of Mehdi Karami, a young karate champion wrongfully sentenced to death. I urge the Government to take decisive action such as proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and expanding sanctions against regime figures. Additionally, we must support Iranians on the ground by providing internet access for protest organisation, issuing visas to political prisoners facing death sentences, and ensuring safety of British-Iranian journalists.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Called for solidarity with pro-democracy and human rights activists in Iran. Discussed the use of death penalty by Iranian authorities against protesters, reading out names of individuals at serious risk of execution to raise public awareness and pressure on the UK Government to take steps to prevent further executions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I thank the hon. Member for Harrow East for securing this debate and acknowledge the powerful contributions from colleagues. I support the protesters in Iran who are fighting against oppression and for freedom, not just social media clout. The protests are widespread and well-organised, calling for an end to the Islamic Republic and a democratic and secular republic with protected individual rights as outlined in the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s 10-point plan. We must recognise their fight and intensify pressure on the regime by listing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. The death penalty and other oppressive measures used against dissenters are clear threats to human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. I call for more robust action from our Government to support the Iranian people's aspirations.
Bury South
Wakeford emphasised his support for the protesters in Iran and criticised the regime's treatment of its people, calling it 'evil, barbaric, tyrannical, and murderous'. He highlighted the death of Mahsa Amini on 16 September as a significant catalyst for current protests. Wakeford also pointed out that sportspeople are being repressed by the Iranian regime, with many fearing for their safety upon returning to Iran. He further discussed how Iran's actions destabilize the region through support for terrorism and hostility towards Israel and Jewish communities globally.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
The Scottish National Party expresses solidarity with Iranian protesters demanding political, economic and social change. Brendan O'Hara emphasises the bravery of protesters like Mahsa Amini, Nika Shakarami, and Hadis Najafi who have faced severe consequences for their defiance against the regime's oppressive laws. He highlights the importance of condemning the regime's brutality and ensuring that perpetrators face justice. The debate also touches on the impact of social media censorship and calls for international support through actions such as reversing the decision to move BBC Persian broadcasts to a digital-only platform.
Southgate and Wood Green
The speaker expressed his solidarity with Iranian protesters demanding women's rights, life freedoms, and political liberties. He condemned the recent executions of Mohsen Shekari, Majidreza Rahnavard, Mohammad Mehdi Karami, Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, and others. Charalambous highlighted the lack of fair trials for these individuals and the use of torture to obtain confessions. He called for an end to the death penalty in Iran and urged the Government to take action against organisations supporting the regime's oppression.
Leo Docherty
Lab
Nottingham South
Spoke eloquently about the plight of women protesters under the banner 'Zan, Zendegi, Azadi', mentioning her constituent's cousin.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Illustrated comprehensively the state-sponsored brutality against female protesters. Asked about sanctions on Evin prison guards and questioned the utility of having an ambassador in Tehran, expressing concern over Iran's regional activities.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Asked whether UK is supplying riot equipment to Iran. Noted the need for proscription but clarified that there is no evidence of it happening currently.
Ken Clarke
Con
Clwyd West
Made an eloquent call in support of people of Iran and argued for IRGC's proscription due to its role as a terrorist exporter.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Supported calls for IRGC's proscription, noted the impact of Iranian-supplied drones on Ukraine and called for an end to executions in Iran.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Spoke about protesters' bravery and leverage against Iran. Raised questions regarding the effectiveness of current measures.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
Discussed refugees in her constituency, called for proscription of IRGC to address human rights abuses and political oppression.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Reflected on the labour system in Iran and emphasised the need to hold regime accountable for its actions against people's rights.
Fleur Anderson
Con
Putney
Called for release of prisoners, highlighted Mehdi Karami's case as an example of injustice in Iran.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Discussed scale and bravery of protests and the abhorrent use of death penalty by Iranian regime.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Described the lack of religious freedom in Iran, emphasising the importance of international support for people's rights.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll and Bute
Honoured heroines of protest who faced severe treatment by Iranian regime.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Mr Blackman thanked contributors, highlighted that the debate was livestreamed to Iran, emphasised the need to condemn the IRGC entirely, and warned against a potential prisoner exchange involving an Iranian diplomat involved in a terror plot.
Government Response
Responded to multiple interventions, emphasising the UK's efforts to address Iran’s destabilizing activities. Reiterated the government's consideration on proscribing IRGC and noted calls from Members for a similar action.
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