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Iran
07 June 2023
Lead MP
Brendan Clarke-Smith
Responding Minister
Andrew Mitchell
Tags
Ukraine
Word Count: 13286
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Brendan Clarke-Smith raised concerns about iran in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I call on the Government to take decisive action by initiating a snapback of sanctions under United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 and not delisting entities associated with Iran's ballistic missile programme. Furthermore, I urge the proscription of the IRGC in its entirety to address its support for terrorism and other malign activities.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the failure of the international community to address Iran's threats and violations, including its nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, terrorism support, and human rights abuses. Iran has been breaching the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action since May 2019 and is now a threshold nuclear state capable of producing at least two nuclear bombs within months. It also continues to develop advanced missiles despite UN resolutions, threatening regional stability and potentially providing weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Additionally, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) engages in human rights abuses and supports terrorist activities globally.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Expresses concern over the UK's incoherent policy towards Iran and highlights the limited impact of sanctions on individuals involved in suppressing protests. Asks what assessment the Foreign Office has made of these sanctions and if Magnitsky-style sanctions are being considered.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Ms Catherine West expressed concern about the brutal repression in Iran by the regime against protesters, journalists, religious minorities, and ethnic groups. She highlighted several specific cases of executions, arbitrary detentions, and unfair trials. She called for diplomatic pressure to halt further executions and questioned whether more can be done with sanctions regarding Iranian-made Shahed drones used in Ukraine. Ms West also raised concerns about Iran's support for terror groups in the region and threats against UK individuals perceived as enemies. Lastly, she asked if enough is being done to protect Iranian diaspora members in the UK and suggested a way to proscribe the IRGC. The Minister is making an excellent response to all the Members here, which is appreciated across the House. On the criticisms in the FCDO report on how British nationals are treated by consular missions abroad, does he believe that those criticisms are correct? What does he think the FCDO needs to do to make good on the current arrangements?
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Chris Law highlighted the oppressive regime in Iran and the violation of human rights, particularly targeting women. He cited the death of Mahsa Amini as a catalyst for protests and mentioned at least 500 protesters detained, with one facing the death penalty. Law also discussed Iran's regional influence through Hezbollah and other groups, and its threat to UK security. He called for the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and sanctions on Iranian political figures.
Diana Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
Johnson emphasised the need for protecting religious minorities and everyday citizens against human rights abuses in Iran, supporting comprehensive sanctions lists introduced by the UK Foreign Secretary.
She raised concerns about two Iranian grandmothers sentenced to 10 years in prison for being Baha'is and called for opposition to such sentences based on blasphemy and apostasy laws, urging the UK to stand firm against these practices.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge
He emphasized the need for swift action to address the flow of weapons from Iran into Ukraine, highlighting the importance of leading efforts in support of Ukraine. Does the hon. Gentleman think that there are certain similarities with the reluctance to proscribe the political wing of Hezbollah? There is a lot of political will to make that proscription happen, but there seems to be a reluctance within the FCDO.
The hon. Gentleman is making a powerful speech and highlights that Iran is not an irrational actor in the world, emphasizing the need to work with allies around the globe.
Since the crackdown against the subsequent protests began in September last year after the murder of Mahsa Amini by the Iranian police, more than 500 people have been killed, more than 50 people have been executed and at least 20,000 have been detained. The IRGC is a worldwide operation run by clerical fascists who want to wipe Israel off the face of the planet, murder Jewish people, and take women back to the stone age.
John Howell
Con
Wells
He pointed out that between 4,000 and 6,000 members of the LGBT community have been executed in Iran since 1979 and questioned whether this is a cause for concern. Expressed concerns about Iran's human rights abuses, highlighting over 500 civilian deaths from crackdowns on freedom of expression and nearly 600 executions in 2022. Cited chemical attacks against girls' schools that left hundreds hospitalised. Called for more support to protect the rights of Iranian women and children.
Karl McCartney
Con
Lincoln
McCartney stressed the urgency to deal with Iran's human rights abuses and supported sanctions against organisations involved in these violations, noting that civilised countries cannot accept minors being subject to the death penalty without fair trials.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Griffith highlighted the importance of addressing Iran's missile programme and its potential impact on conflicts such as in Ukraine, underscoring the need for robust policy measures.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Mr Patrick Grady expressed concern about the ongoing persecution and oppression of citizens in Iran, highlighting specific human rights abuses against women and the LGBT community. He pointed out that at least seven protesters were executed since January 2023, including three last month. Mr Grady also emphasised the need for the UK Government to follow the US in proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing cases of dual nationals like Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof who remain arbitrarily detained in Iran.
Richard Graham
Con
Emphasised the importance of the UN's latest resolution on Iran, highlighting its comprehensive approach to addressing Tehran's destabilising activities in the region and beyond.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
Addressed concerns about persecution of women, freedom of religion or belief, and detention of British citizens in Iran. Raised issues regarding BBC Persian Radio's closure and urged the Government to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Ms Olney highlighted the challenges faced by her Iranian constituents, including restrictions on education, free speech, and personal freedoms. She raised concerns about threats against British-Iranians living in London and called for urgent action to protect them. Ms Olney also discussed the impact of sanctions on access to funds and bank accounts, urging the government to support British Iranians unable to access their money. Additionally, she addressed the issue of asylum seekers from Iran facing delays in processing applications and called for safe and legal routes for vulnerable women fleeing persecution.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Tugendhat supported the call to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), noting its involvement in conflicts around the world and the need for decisive action by the UK. I noted that the debate is part of a year-long series examining Iran's nuclear programme.
Government Response
Andrew Mitchell
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts. I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw for securing this important debate and express appreciation to all Members who contributed. The minister acknowledged that Iran's human rights record is appalling with surging use of the death penalty, restrictions on women's rights, persecution of religious minorities, and erosion of media freedoms. Since January 2022, over 15 credible threats have been identified towards UK-based individuals orchestrated by the Iranian regime. The UK has imposed more than 70 new human rights sanctions since September 2022 in response to violent repression within Iran. Over the past year and a half, the Government sanctioned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) entirely and 29 affiliated individuals/entities for their role in enforcing brutal repression on Iranian streets. The UK also condemned Iran's support for Russia's illegal war, with sanctions against 11 individuals and two manufacturers responsible for drone supply to Russia. We will continue working across Government and with international allies to ensure a robust response that deters the regime from such malign activity and holds it accountable.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.