Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran

Tuesday 12 December 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 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers questioned the measures to counter Iran's destabilising activities in the region.
  • The government responded by mentioning the deployment of HMS Diamond and the introduction of a new sanctions regime.
  • Chris Bryant inquired about addressing Iran's human rights violations, particularly regarding executions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Iran has been supporting groups that carry out destabilising activities in the Middle East, causing concern.

Question

What steps are being taken to tackle Iran's destabilising activities in the region?

Answer from David Rutley

Iran bears responsibility for groups it has long supported. We have stepped up our response with HMS Diamond bolstering maritime presence and a new Iran sanctions regime soon to be in place, giving us greater powers to designate Iranian activity.

Answered
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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Iran has been openly supporting, funding, and arming Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

Question

With the regime in Tehran's blatant support of Hamas and their activities, should we not snap back full sanctions, sanction more officials, and proscribe the IRGC?

Answer from David Rutley

Our new Iran sanctions regime will soon be in place, giving us enhanced powers to counter Iranian activities worldwide. We have already sanctioned over 350 individuals and entities, including the IRGC entirely.

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Q3 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Foreign Affairs
Context

Over 400 people have been executed in Iran between January and July, with more since October. Recent executions include those of a child and protesters.

Question

Given the high number of executions within Iran, should we not take action to address their human rights violations?

Answer from David Rutley

The hon. Member highlights an important point. We call out the repression of protests and continue to hold Iran accountable for its human rights record, including against women, girls, and children. A new sanctions regime will assist in these efforts.

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