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Iran
13 January 2020
Lead MP
Tobias Ellwood
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 38
At a Glance
Tobias Ellwood raised concerns about iran 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
Ellwood opened the debate by expressing condolences for those who lost their lives on Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, acknowledging Iran's responsibility for the downing of the aircraft. He emphasised that diplomatic efforts must be made to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the crash, highlighting the illegal arrest of HM Ambassador Rob Macaire in Tehran as a breach of international law.
Dominic Raab
Con
Esher and Walton
Raab responded to Ellwood's urgent question, expressing condolences for those who died on PS752 and highlighting Iran's responsibility. He mentioned ongoing diplomatic efforts including the International Coordination and Response Group, meetings with international partners in Brussels, Washington, and Montreal, and discussions with Foreign Minister Zarif and President Rouhani. Raab emphasised that the regime must face accountability but also that a diplomatic door remains open for Iran to de-escalate tensions.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Ellwood inquired about transparency in the crash investigation and security concerns for British diplomats. He warned against Iran's continued destabilising actions and questioned the effectiveness of previous diplomatic efforts, advocating for new talks that address missile sanctions and economic reform to genuinely rehabilitate Iran.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
Hamilton expressed concern about the escalating tensions in Iran and Iraq following General Soleimani's assassination. He highlighted recent attacks on US bases, Iran's uranium enrichment policies, protests in Tehran, the arrest of the British ambassador Rob Macaire, and the downing of PS752, killing 176 people including four Britons.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Welcomed condemnation of Iran's conduct, raised issues regarding dual nationals such as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with Foreign Minister Zarif. Emphasised the importance of transatlantic unity to defuse tensions without military conflict, stressed need for accountability and consistent pressure while maintaining diplomatic engagement.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Beckenham
Called for Iran not to ease pressure and suggested proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Agreed with maintaining consistent pressure but also emphasised that diplomatic engagement remains an option for Iran. Indicated willingness to consider proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Expressed cross-party unity in support of diplomatic efforts and asked about discussions with US authorities regarding visa issues for Iran's Foreign Minister.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Confirmed ongoing dialogue despite differences on maximum pressure, noted importance of a diplomatic path forward. Clarified that the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visa was not refused but that opportunities for dialogue must be maintained.
North Cotswolds
Asked about discussions on an international investigation into the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, particularly in relation to proper repatriation and compensation for victims.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Confirmed ongoing work with Canada on this issue, stressing the importance of a credible investigation and full transparency regarding details surrounding the incident.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Asked about support for BBC Persian staff facing harassment from the Iranian regime and requested measures to ensure their safety.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Pledged to protect journalists, including British ones, and highlighted an international campaign promoting media freedom.
Maldon
Called for close cooperation with other countries affected by the Ukraine International Airlines incident and participation in joint investigation meetings.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Confirmed full engagement in international efforts to ensure a thorough investigation and compensation for victims' families.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Suggested that public demonstrations in Iran could indicate potential shifts in foreign policy, urging engagement with Gulf states and other partners to facilitate such a shift.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Agreed on the importance of observing public mood changes but also stressed the need for solidarity with China, Russia, among others, in conveying messages to Iran.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Proposed proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and freezing its assets as a strong signal against malign activities worldwide.
Dominic Raab
Con
Bexley and Crayford
Acknowledged the Quds force’s role in supporting terrorist groups but noted ongoing sanctions review regarding proscription of IRGC.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Inquired about FCO assessment of increased risk from IS/Daesh both regionally and domestically, seeking details on actions taken to counter these dangers.
Dominic Raab
15:31:00
The risk of war would benefit terrorist groups like Daesh. We are working to prevent the reversal of gains made against these groups and maintaining diplomatic lines with Iran.
John Howell
15:31:00
Concerned about de-escalation efforts not showing progress, particularly regarding Israeli safety.
Barry Sheerman
15:31:00
Emphasised the need for continued dialogue with Iran and suggested an interfaith delegation to promote peace.
Mary Robinson
15:31:00
Asked about practical steps to encourage Iran's return to full compliance with the JCPOA.
Hilary Benn
15:31:00
Labour
Called for measures to prevent civilian aircraft from being mistaken for military threats and shot down in conflict zones.
Thomas Tugendhat
15:31:00
Conservative
Proposed reaching out through regional allies like Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar to encourage Iran to change its policies.
Kirsten Oswald
15:31:00
Asked about assurances sought regarding the rights of peaceful protesters in Iran during diplomatic talks with Iranian counterparts.
Iain Duncan Smith
15:31:00
Conservative
Questioned whether it is time to recognise that the regime does not intend peace and if support for the people of Iran should be prioritised.
Julian Lewis
15:31:00
Conservative
Suggested a policy of long-term containment similar to that used against the Soviet Union and asked about coordination with American allies.
Robert Halfon
Con
North East Essex
Iran is compared to the Soviet Union due to its actions and influence. He asks what specific measures are being taken by the UK and allies to support democracy protesters in Iran.
Dominic Raab
Con
Esher and Walton
The UK supports peaceful protest and freedom of expression in international forums like the UN but seeks a balance between upholding norms, values, and human rights without aiding hardliners. The government aims for transparency from Iran regarding the downing of the airliner as a step towards reversing political and economic isolation.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Compliments Raab's statement about Sultan Qaboos. Notes the corrupting influence of IRG within Iran and supports de-escalation while advocating for a values competition in which most Iranians would side with Western countries.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Suggests freezing assets of children and families of Iranian ayatollahs and Government Ministers who invest billions into the West as a way to take action against them.
Vicky Ford
Con
Chelmsford
Appreciates Raab's calls for de-escalation, support of victim families from the downed aircraft, and work with France and Germany to reboot the JCPOA. Asks how the relationship with E3 will continue post-Brexit.
Shailesh Vara
Con
North West Cambridgeshire
Requests assurance that assistance is being given to families of victims from the Ukrainian International Airlines flight and asks for confirmation that all possible help is being provided.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Suggests the Foreign Office work on updating the Geneva conventions or rules around civilian airliners to better ensure their safety from improper use of Russian weaponry.
David Jones
Con
Clwyd West
Notes demonstrations in Tehran and elsewhere that show many Iranians want freedom. Requests consideration for these people when responding to events with international colleagues.
Rob Butler
Con
Epsom and Ewell
Highlights the safety of British armed forces, noting a senior Quds force commander described UK personnel as potential 'collateral damage' in US military attacks.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Asks for assessment on conflicting accounts from Tehran regarding recent incidents, noting a pattern of misinformation campaigns from Iran.
Government Response
Raab responded to Hamilton by acknowledging Iran's systematic non-compliance with the JCPOA. He emphasised that while the diplomatic door remains open, pressure must be maintained for accountability on nuclear compliance and stabilising regional tensions. He also detailed recent discussions with international partners including visits to Brussels, Washington, and Paris. Discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions, maintain diplomatic channels, and prevent the reversal of gains made against terrorist groups like Daesh. Emphasised the need for balance in holding Iran accountable while leaving room for a return to negotiation. The UK supports peaceful protest and freedom of expression in international forums like the UN but seeks a balance between upholding norms, values, and human rights without aiding hardliners. The government aims for transparency from Iran regarding the downing of the airliner as a step towards reversing political and economic isolation.
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Assessment & feedback
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