Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Tuesday 13 June 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

  • Ministerial review of designations regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is ongoing.
  • The UK supports Saudi Arabia and Iran working towards a peace settlement in Yemen.
  • Concerns about Iranian state-based actors threatening UK-based Iranian activists are acknowledged.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The regime is boasting about hypersonic missile capabilities and the end of JCPOA restrictions, raising concerns about British universities' involvement in research that could aid Iran's military.

Question

My right hon. Friend will be aware that the regime is boasting about its hypersonic missiles hitting Tel Aviv within 400 seconds, JCPOA restrictions ending in October, and UK university involvement leading to drones attacking Ukraine from Russia. Will he commit to no delisting of organisations involved and research the position with UK universities?

Answer from James Cleverly

We are looking into reports about university research as mentioned. We stand firm on preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state, ensuring evolved measures as JCPOA sunset clauses arrive. Designations are under consistent review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear commitment to no delisting of organisations involved in military activities and vague response about university research.

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns exist regarding Iranian state-based actors' threats to UK-based Iranian activists and the strength of feeling about proscribing the IRGC.

Question

The Foreign Secretary is aware of concerns in the House about Iranian state-based actors threatening Iranian activists here, the strength of feeling about proscription, and the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. What assessment has been made?

Answer from James Cleverly

I have spoken with both the Saudi ambassador to the UK and the Saudi Foreign Minister about this issue. They are working towards a full peace settlement in Yemen, which we support. We remain deeply engaged on Iran's regional behaviour and coordinate actions with the Home Office.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran was not clearly detailed.

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns in the House of Commons about threats from Iranian state actors towards Iranian activists living in the UK who have fled persecution.

Question

The Foreign Secretary is aware of concerns across the House regarding Iranian state-based actors threatening UK-based Iranian activists and the strength of feeling on proscription. What assessment has been made, especially regarding rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

Answer from James Cleverly

I have had conversations with both the Saudi ambassador to the Court of St James and the Saudi Foreign Minister on this issue. They aim for a full peace settlement in Yemen, supported by us. We remain deeply engaged regarding Iran's regional behaviour. The FCDO maintains close coordination with the Home Office on threats.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No clear assessment of threats to Iranian activists in the UK was provided.

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