Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran: Human Rights and Other International Obligations

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK implemented 50 new sanctions against Iran since October 2022 for human rights violations.
  • Government discussed with BBC leadership about maintaining foreign language services, including BBC Persian.
  • Response to security concerns includes expressing condolences and closely monitoring embassy security in Iran.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Foreign Affairs
Context

In response to ongoing protests in Iran, the questioner highlights severe human rights abuses and violations of international obligations.

Question

What diplomatic steps are being taken to encourage the Iranian Government to comply with its (a) human rights and (b) other obligations under international law?

Answer from James Cleverly

Since October 2022, the UK has implemented 50 new sanctions for human rights violations in Iran. I have summoned Iran's most senior diplomat five times to highlight our opposition to their actions. We expelled Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women and will continue efforts to hold the Iranian regime accountable.

Answered
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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Foreign Affairs Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The questioner refers to the government's provision of emergency funding for the BBC World Service in Ukraine last year, asking whether similar support will be provided to BBC Persian Radio.

Question

Will the Secretary of State commit to providing similar funding to BBC Persian radio to save it from closure at the moment when it is most needed?

Answer from James Cleverly

Funding arrangements are shared between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and DCMS. I have discussed with the BBC leadership about maintaining foreign language services, including BBC Persian. The Government supports independent voices in Iran.

Partly answered

Not addressed: commitment to providing funding

How: Funding Arrangements, Ultimately Decisions For The Bbc

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Q3 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner lists several serious human rights violations in Iran, including executions and arrests, urging the Government to make clear positions regarding sanctions, international court referrals, and proscription of the IRGC.

Question

Is it not time that the Government made it clear to the Iranian regime that (1) we will not negotiate any deals with them to lift sanctions; (2) we will refer members of the regime to the International Court of Justice; (3) we will proscribe the IRGC?

Answer from James Cleverly

We have sanctioned entities and individuals in response to death penalties handed out by the regime. We work with international partners to hold those involved in atrocities accountable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions on non-negotiation, referral to ICJ, proscription of IRGC

How: Sanctions, Accountability Measures

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Q4 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The questioner raises concerns about security threats to the UK embassy in Iran, including recent attacks and executions of protesters.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend examine the security for our embassy over there, encourage our nationals to leave Iran as quickly as possible, close our embassy down, and close down the Iranian embassy in London and all the other facilities it runs?

Answer from James Cleverly

I have expressed condolences to Azerbaijan over an attack, spoken with our ambassador about security concerns. I believe maintaining our embassy is important for protecting interests; we closely monitor the security of those working there.

Partly answered

Not addressed: closing embassies and facilities

How: Diplomatic Relations, Security Measures

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