Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about diplomatic relations and recent meetings regarding Iran's non-compliance with the JCPOA.
What discussions has he had with his Iranian counterpart in the last six months?
Iran is systematically in non-compliance with the joint comprehensive plan of action—the JCPOA—and, working with our European partners and with the United States, China and Russia, we expect and require a return to full compliance.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details of specific discussions with Iranian counterpart were not provided
Working With International Partners
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency has issued warnings about Iran enriching uranium to levels indicating potential for weapons development, along with concerns over its sponsorship of terrorist activities.
Given the IAEA warning that Iran is producing uranium at levels only countries making bombs reach and given that this knowledge cannot be unlearned, does he share my concern that Iran's nuclear activities extend beyond outdated JCPOA limits? What steps will be taken to address not just its nuclear belligerence but also its support for terrorism and ballistic missile programme?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is not just the stockpile of enriched uranium, which is 16 times the permitted limit, but the operation of the centrifuges and the production of uranium metal that are of deep concern. All sides agree that Iran must return to full compliance, and there has been some progress in talks in Vienna, but a successful outcome is far from guaranteed. Those talks cannot continue open-endedly; we need to see a return to full compliance. My hon. Friend is also right to refer to the need for “longer and stronger”, as it is dubbed, to ensure permanent guarantees on nuclear issues and address destabilising activity Iran sponsors.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps not detailed; response vague about future actions beyond commitment to compliance
Commitment To Compliance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The HALO Trust, a British charity and the largest mine clearance organisation in Afghanistan, suffered a tragic attack. The MP also mentioned an unresolved debt from selling Chieftain tanks to Iran before the revolution.
I pay tribute to the work of the HALO Trust, a British charity and the largest de-mining organisation working in Afghanistan. Tragically, 10 of its team were killed in an ISIS attack a week ago. James Cowan, the CEO, has vowed to continue their important work, and I hope that the Government will encourage the Afghan Government to improve local security so that the HALO Trust can continue that important work. In the 1970s, we attempted to sell 100 Chieftain tanks to Iran for £400 million; they were never delivered due to the Iranian revolution. We need to repay this debt because it interferes with other bilateral issues. I invite my right hon. Friend to speak to Tony Blinken to resolve the issue of legacy sanctions.
I pay tribute not just to the work of the HALO Trust—I extend my condolences for the loss of life—but to all NGO workers on the frontline who take extraordinary risks. On the International Military Services debt, we are committed to resolving it; legal discussions are ongoing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details about security support and repaying legacy debt were not provided
Legal Reasons For Non-Disclosure
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The proposed plan to increase the UK's stockpile of nuclear warheads is seen as abandoning multilateralism for unilateralism, impacting the UK's standing in international non-proliferation agreements.
I join the right hon. Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) in sending our thoughts and best wishes to the victims of the terrible attack on the HALO Trust staff in Afghanistan. Ten people were murdered and many more injured; I am sure the whole House would want to send them our sympathies. The proposed plan to increase the UK's stockpile of nuclear warheads has made it clear that the Government have ditched multilateralism and embraced unilateralism. Such a move is out of step with all allies and will impact our ability to participate in agreements like the JCPOA. What impact does he think this increase will have on our international standing, given we appear to have abandoned obligations under article 6 of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty? Will he recommit today?
I reassure the hon. Gentleman that maintaining a minimum credible deterrent has zero impact on JCPOA talks and is consistent with non-proliferation obligations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Impact of stockpile increase not addressed specifically; commitment to NPT article 6 was evaded
Reassurance Without Specifics
Response accuracy