Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran

Tuesday 6 September 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK maintains sanctions against the IRGC to constrain its activity.
  • The possibility of reviewing the British embassy's location in Tel Aviv is acknowledged.
  • Concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and its role in terrorism are noted.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Spellar Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is concerned about Iran's influence through proxies, which has been a source of regional instability.

Question

What steps her Department plans to take to counter Iran's destabilising use of proxies in the middle east. The hostility with Iran has caused even greater friendship between Arab countries and Israel, so should the Government follow US actions by moving the British embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The UK maintains a range of sanctions to constrain IRGC activity. The British embassy in Israel is in Tel Aviv, but there may be a review possibility. We do not routinely comment on proscription considerations for the IRGC.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps to counter proxy wars and embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

How: We Do Not Routinely Comment

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Q2 John Spellar Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK previously resisted banning Hezbollah but was pressured to act. The questioner seeks urgent action against the IRGC.

Question

I hope that the Minister will recognise the IRGC's role in destabilising proxy wars and show more urgency in joining allies by proscribing the IRGC, similar to how we banned Hezbollah under pressure from this House.

Answer from Amanda Milling

The UK maintains sanctions against the IRGC and regularly reviews the list of proscribed organisations, but does not comment on ongoing considerations for the IRGC's proscription.

Partly answered

Not addressed: proscription of the IRGC

How: We Do Not Routinely Comment

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Q3 Michael Fabricant Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has a thriving bilateral relationship with Israel, but the questioner asks about moving the British embassy to Jerusalem.

Question

Given the improved friendship between Arab countries and Israel, is it time for Britain to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem like some other countries have done?

Answer from Amanda Milling

The UK and Israel share a thriving relationship, but I am aware of the possibility of a review regarding the British embassy's location in Tel Aviv, without further speculation on this point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: moving the embassy to Jerusalem

How: Will Not Speculate

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Q4 John Cryer Lab
Context

The questioner criticises Iran's leaders as clerical fascists and demands a ban on the IRGC similar to Hezbollah.

Question

Why can we not just get on with it and ban the IRGC, as we banned Hezbollah?

Answer from Amanda Milling

I have been clear about sanctions to constrain IRGC activity. I will not comment further on proscription of this group.

Partly answered

Not addressed: banning the IRGC

How: Will Not Comment

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Q5 Stephen Crabb Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner warns about Iran's continued sponsorship of terror, linking it to its ballistics program and nuclear ambitions.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that any revised nuclear deal with Iran should be accompanied by strong measures against it being the world's largest sponsor of terrorism?

Answer from Amanda Milling

We have concerns about Iran's instability and advanced nuclear programme. The joint comprehensive plan of action may collapse, leading to careful consideration of options with partners and allies if no deal is struck soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: strong measures in a revised nuclear deal

How: Will Consider Carefully

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