Iran

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.