Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran: Human Rights Abuses

Tuesday 2 May 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government announced more than 70 new sanctions in response to recent human rights violations in Iran.
  • The Foreign Secretary met with Vahid Beheshti, who is on a hunger strike, and urged him to stop for health reasons.
  • The UK government is keeping options under review for proscribing the IRGC, working closely with the Home Office on such decisions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicola Richards
Foreign Affairs
Context

Human rights abuses in Iran have been escalating, prompting international concern.

Question

What diplomatic steps is the government taking to help tackle human rights abuses in Iran? Human rights issues remain a critical concern with recent protests and crackdowns. More than 70 new sanctions were announced, but there are calls for more action from parliamentarians.

Answer from James Cleverly

We raise violations at all appropriate opportunities and via our embassy. We have announced more than 70 new sanctions in response to recent crackdowns on protests, and we continue to work with partners to hold Iran accountable at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Nicola Richards
Foreign Affairs
Context

Vahid Beheshti is on a 69-day hunger strike, supported by cross-party parliamentarians to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) due to its human rights abuses.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary acknowledge the urgency of proscribing the IRGC? The IRGC has been responsible for over 582 executions last year and chemical attacks on girls' schools. Vahid Beheshti is in a dangerous hunger strike and was recently supported by 125 cross-party parliamentarians.

Answer from James Cleverly

Mr Beheshti has met ministerial colleagues. We worry about his health and urge him to stop his hunger strike. The UK responded to Iran's unacceptable behaviour by sanctioning the IRGC entirely and certain leaders specifically, keeping options under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledging urgency of proscription

How: Keeping Options Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UN special rapporteur highlighted human rights abuses by Iran globally, including proscription of the Revolutionary Guards for condemning Iranian actions.

Question

Why will the Government not proscribe the revolutionary guards? The report highlights similar abusive activities across the world, including here in Britain. People want this now.

Answer from James Cleverly

We do not discuss future proscriptions. The FCDO works closely with the Home Office on such decisions, keeping options under review to take action in best interests of British nationals' safety and improving Iran's human rights record.

Not addressed: Decision-making process for proscription

How: Keeping Options Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email