Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government condemns the destabilising activities of the IRGC globally and has imposed over 300 sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities, including the IRGC itself.
  • The Department works closely with the Home Office to protect all residents regardless of heritage, focusing on threats against Iranians in the UK.
  • The UK has sanctioned over 300 individuals and entities involved in various crimes, including those persecuting protesters in Iran, such as judiciary members, drone suppliers, and the prosecutor general responsible for Alireza Akbari's case.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP inquires about the role of the IRGC in Iran's activities, noting recent calls for proscription due to its involvement in regional conflicts and international crimes.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' role in Iran's activities in the region? There have been major groundswell calls to proscribe the IRGC due to its activities including arming proxies, financing terror, supporting Putin's assault on Ukraine, involvement in drug trade, and increasing threats in the UK.

Answer from James Cleverly

The Government condemns the destabilising activities of the IRGC globally. Over 300 sanctions have been imposed on Iranian individuals and entities, including the IRGC itself. The Minister did not commit to further proscription but assured ongoing efforts to curtail the IRGC's influence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to proscribing the IRGC

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Q2 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Community Security
Context

The MP addresses concerns raised by a constituent who fears continued threat from the IRGC, despite seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Question

My constituent Hamid Bahrami and others are frightened by IRGC activities here. What measures is the Secretary of State taking to ensure their safety?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Department works closely with the Home Office to protect all residents regardless of heritage, focusing on threats against Iranians in the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific protective measures for Iranian residents threatened by IRGC agents

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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the IRGC's role in various criminal activities including kidnap plots, deaths of British nationals, persecution of protesters, support for violent militia groups, and the unjust imprisonment of individuals.

Question

Labour would proscribe the IRGC using terrorism legislation or a new proscription process for hostile state actors. What actions will the Foreign Secretary take against the IRGC?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK has sanctioned over 300 individuals and entities involved in various crimes, including those persecuting protesters in Iran. Actions taken include sanctioning judiciary members, drone suppliers, and the prosecutor general responsible for Alireza Akbari's case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to proscribing the IRGC

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