← Back to House of Commons Debates
Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action
14 January 2020
Lead MP
Dominic Raab
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Dominic Raab raised concerns about joint comprehensive plan of action 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:
Government Statement
With the permission of Mr Speaker, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab made a statement outlining the UK’s actions regarding Iran's non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Raab stated that since May last year, Iran has progressively reduced its adherence to key elements of the agreement, leading to critical breaches including exceeding uranium stockpile limits and restarting enrichment activities at Fordow. He emphasised that these actions threaten international security as they shorten Iran's breakout time for nuclear weapons development. Raab announced that the E3 (United Kingdom, France, Germany) have formally triggered the dispute resolution mechanism within the JCPOA framework to address these violations. The process involves a 15-day period for convening a Joint Commission meeting among all parties to negotiate and enforce full compliance with the agreement terms. Raab reaffirmed Britain's commitment to upholding its obligations under the deal despite US withdrawal in May 2018, lifting sanctions on various sectors including banking and oil trade with Iran. He concluded by urging Iran to engage diplomatically towards restoring full compliance.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Thornberry questioned the Foreign Secretary about his discussions with American counterparts regarding issues with the JCPOA, specifically asking if they had criticised the deal due to its negotiation by President Obama. She further inquired about the specifics of a proposed 'Trump deal' that would replace the current agreement and why Iran would accept such an arrangement given Trump’s history of tearing up deals.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded without directly confirming or denying whether US officials had criticised the JCPOA for being negotiated by Obama. He did not elaborate on specifics regarding a 'Trump deal' nor provided reasons to believe that Iran would accept such conditions, instead focusing on diplomatic efforts to restore full compliance with the current agreement.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
The MP questions the Prime Minister's support for a Trump deal as an alternative to the JCPOA, despite previous joint statements supporting its preservation. She inquires about how this supposed new deal differs from the current agreement, why Iran would accept it, and whether replacing the JCPOA with a 'Trump deal' is now official government policy.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary acknowledges support for retaining and restoring the JCPOA but clarifies that the Prime Minister fully supports bringing Iran back into compliance. He emphasises the need for a broader initiative addressing not just nuclear concerns but also regional destabilisation, suggesting it aligns with US and European partners' objectives.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming
Question
The MP acknowledges the importance of strengthening alliances in light of tensions caused by the JCPOA. He asks for views on how to strengthen this alliance, given its 70-year foundation.
Minister reply
He suggests Britain should exercise its judgment and diplomatic energy to ensure a common purpose with European and American friends, stressing that fostering divisions would only encourage hardliners in Tehran.
Question
The MP commends the Foreign Secretary for his statement supporting actions against nuclear proliferation. He criticises the Prime Minister's statements about replacing the JCPOA with a 'Trump deal,' questioning how seriously Iran takes UK and other allies given this position.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates that engagement is based on leaving open the diplomatic path while holding Iran accountable for non-compliance, highlighting ongoing concerns beyond nuclear issues such as regional destabilisation.
Question
The MP questions whether there is any credible alternative to a diplomatic route and if Israel might strike in response to continued threats from Iran.
Minister reply
He asserts that diplomacy remains the most effective long-term solution, combining accountability for bad behaviour with opportunities for dialogue. This position aligns with UK's European and American partners.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
The hon. Gentleman is quite right, first, about the importance of having that sanctions capacity. The Foreign Secretary was instrumental in introducing legislation known as the Magnitsky amendments for enabling the Government to have another tool in the box in relation to sanctions. He also made the point that such capacity should not just apply to Russia but be universal in geographic scope.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is quite right, first, about the importance of having that sanctions capacity. As we leave the EU we will have more autonomy to do that. We are looking forward to bringing that forward. It was mentioned in the Queen’s Speech.
Bury South
Question
My hon. Friend makes some interesting points. I am not going to comment on intelligence matters or operational matters, but I can say that of course we share Israel’s concern not just about Iran’s nuclear ambitions but about the wider activities in the region.
Minister reply
Last year an archive of documents relating to Iran’s nuclear programme was unearthed in a Tehran warehouse by Israel’s intelligence agencies. The documents revealed the extent of Iran’s deception to the IAEA and the world powers about its historical work to develop nuclear weapons and its ongoing efforts to circumvent the JCPOA.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Question
The plight of the nationals and dual nationals in detention from our country and other countries around the world is at the forefront of our minds. We will do everything we can to secure their release and, while they are in detention, the best conceivable treatment that we can imagine.
Minister reply
This is a very troubling time not only for Mr Ashuri and his family but for other relations of British nationals being held in Iranian prisons.
Question
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We want to preserve the JCPOA—it is the only current deal in town—but of course we are ambitious to see a broader rapprochement.
Minister reply
I welcome the decision to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism. However, given that over the past few weeks we have seen Iran use ballistic missiles to attack coalition forces and that, in the wake of the killing of General Soleimani, we have had another reminder of all the activities he used to carry out.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
The right hon. Gentleman is just wrong. Of course one can want to preserve this deal but be ambitious and, if it is possible, bring the United States and Tehran into a broader rapprochement.
Minister reply
It is precisely because we support this deal that the E3 was left with no option but to take the action that it has, and I support the Government in doing so. But can I bring the Foreign Secretary back to the Prime Minister’s remarks this morning? Either the Prime Minister wants to maintain this deal or he is now advocating for its replacement: he cannot credibly hold both positions.
Question
It is not clear that there is, as of now. However, there is scope, if Iran is willing—the E3 statement backed this up.
Minister reply
It seems that the JCPOA in its current form is dying, although it is not dead yet, and I compliment the Foreign Secretary and his Ministers for the work that they are doing.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
The meetings that the Prime Minister has will be publicised in the usual way through the usual channels, but I have met Richard Ratcliffe. We of course understand the concern of Nazanin’s family and also all the other dual nationals who are detained.
Minister reply
I thank the Secretary of State for prior sight of his statement. Given his earlier remarks about dual nationals in Iran and the increasingly desperate situation of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, will he clarify when the Prime Minister is going to meet Richard Ratcliffe?
Question
We obviously keep the security of our armed forces under constant review. We do the same in terms of shipping in the Gulf, and particularly the strait of Hormuz.
Minister reply
Will the Foreign Secretary outline the steps that are being taken to safeguard British citizens, personnel and interests in the region?
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
We have had no formal indication of that description. It would be deeply regrettable if that were the case.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary is right to highlight the importance of diplomacy in resolving this crisis. Can he update us on the situation of the British ambassador to Iran, particularly given the fact that in the last couple of hours it has been reported, including in the Financial Times, that Gholam-Hossein Esmaeili, who is a representative of the Iranian judiciary, has called for him to be persona non grata and expelled from the country? Does the Foreign Secretary agree that that is completely unacceptable?
Question
My right hon. Friend makes a good point, but he also highlights a conundrum. On the one hand, we do not want to relieve the pressure on Iran in relation to its nefarious activities.
Minister reply
I welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on not only the tactical issues but the wider strategic context that we face. I repeat the point that I made yesterday during the urgent question: there is little incentive for Iran to support the JCPOA when economic reform cannot take place.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The JCPOA impacts countries globally. Given Iran's instability, can the Secretary of State outline his intention to prepare and secure expatriates and workers in Iran? What advice will be given to British citizens working there?
Minister reply
We are concerned about the safety of British citizens abroad and have amended our travel advice for Iran. Individuals and businesses should refer to this guidance.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
What conversations has the Foreign Secretary had with European partners and regional allies, including Oman's new Sultan, regarding how to handle Iran?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister engaged with the new Sultan of Oman at a funeral. Conversations are ongoing with regional partners aiming to de-escalate tensions while holding Iran accountable.
Question
How have China and Russia responded to the actions taken regarding the JCPOA?
Minister reply
We are engaging with them during the DRM process. The issue is global, and all Security Council members need to be involved.
Question
Triggering the DRM after six months of non-compliance is weak. What dangers arise from Iran reducing its breakout time while the dispute resolution mechanism is ongoing? Shouldn't we aim for a comprehensive agreement?
Minister reply
The JCPOA has weaknesses but it's currently restraining Iranian behaviour. The DRM must be triggered to maintain deal credibility, and there should also be ambition for broader agreements.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Question
Are discussions happening with oil and gas companies operating in the region about the safety of British employees? What is being done to ensure their security?
Minister reply
The Defence Secretary has outlined contingency planning for military support in Hormuz. Travel advice is under constant review to provide clear guidance on risks.
Shadow Comment
Emily Thornberry
Shadow Comment
Emily Thornberry welcomed the UK's actions alongside European partners but criticised the Prime Minister’s recent remarks supporting a replacement of the JCPOA with what she termed as a mythical 'Trump deal'. She questioned the Foreign Secretary about his agreement with the PM’s stance and sought clarification on potential differences between the existing agreement and any proposed alternative, expressing doubt over Iran’s willingness to negotiate under such conditions. Thornberry also asked if it is now official UK policy to pursue a Trump-endorsed nuclear agreement with Iran.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.