Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Countering Iran’s Hostile Activities — [Gordon Henderson in the Chair]

08 May 2024 · 7 other contributors · 13,166 words

Opened by Margaret Hodge Lab Barking

Responding minister: Nusrat Ghani

UkraineForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Margaret Hodge raised concerns about countering iran’s hostile activities — [gordon henderson in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Margaret Hodge is concerned about Britain's role in supporting Iran and its agents in violent and repressive activities.
  • Hodge mentions incidents including the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent crackdown on protests, with thousands arrested and some sentenced to death.
  • Hodge calls on the government to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist group and impose sanctions on IRGC members.

Key requests to Government

Hodge calls on the Government to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist group, impose sanctions on IRGC members, use existing powers to freeze assets, deport non-citizens involved with IRGC activities, and ensure transparency over company ownership linked to IRGC. She urges the government to act against financial institutions facilitating Iran's wrongdoing.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Margaret Hodge Lab Barking

Margaret Hodge is concerned about the active role Britain plays in supporting Iran and its agents in their violent, repressive, and hostile activities. She mentions specific incidents such as the death of Mahsa Amini leading to protests being violently crushed by the IRGC, with over 19,400 individuals arrested and at least 27 protesters sentenced to death. Journalists working against Iran face significant threats; for instance, Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in Wimbledon and Rana Rahimpour had her car tampered with and phone tapped. The debate highlights the influence of IRGC-linked centres in cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow, spreading propaganda and undermining democracy.

Other contributors (7)
  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Mr Law highlighted Iran's human rights violations and its destabilising activities in the Middle East, including support for proxy militias and terrorist groups. He cited recent escalations such as drone attacks on ships by Houthi rebels and missile strikes against Israel by Iran, expressing concern over Tehran's exploitation of regional conflicts to sow instability. Mr Law also called for a regional de-escalation of tensions and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, condemning all acts of violence that breach international law. Chris Law inquired about the red line beyond which the UK Government will take action regarding Iran's hostile activities, despite not being able to specify a date.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Pressed on the issue that Hamas attacks were organised by the IRGC, suggesting a wider threat involving Iran's links with Russia which has taken pressure off Russian forces in Ukraine. Discussed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC's) influence in the UK, including links to pro-Palestine marches, Islamic Centre of England, and financial institutions. Highlighted Iran's support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Russia, detailing illicit trade and military assistance between Iran and Russia. Recommended proscribing IRGC as a terrorist organisation, targeting sanctions effectively, investigating human rights violations, and increasing resources for enforcement agencies. Iain Duncan Smith inquired if Iran is described as a persistent destabilising influence rather than a direct threat in the integrated review.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlighted the environmental dangers of shipping dark oil in unsafe vessels, which can lead to leaks and engine problems. Shannon expressed concern about Iran's support for terrorist organisations and urged the Government to take action, such as proscribing the IRGC. He highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of sanctions against Iranian banks operating in London and called for international law enforcement on Iran's financial activities. Shannon also raised concerns about human rights violations in Iran, including restrictions on religious freedom and attacks on women's rights.

  • John Howell Con Henley

    I am concerned about the lack of clarity in Government policy regarding Iran's nuclear programme and its regional activities. We need a more robust approach to counter Iranian aggression.

  • Karl McCartney Con Lincoln

    We must address the issue of Iranian-backed militias operating in Iraq and Syria, which pose a significant threat to our allies. The UK should do more to support regional partners in combating these threats.

  • Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South

    The MP highlighted the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) involvement in terrorist activities across the Middle East and its growing threat to the UK, mentioning 15 uncovered plots by Iran's intelligence services to harm individuals on British soil. She also discussed the IRGC's exploitation of soft power through events that incite antisemitic attacks and their encouragement of violence against Jews.

  • Wayne David Lab Caerphilly

    Mr David highlighted the brutality of the Iranian regime, citing the death of Mahsa Amini and the suppression of subsequent protests. He mentioned that over 20,000 people were detained during these protests, with more than 500 killed and many injured. Additionally, he discussed Iran's involvement in terrorism abroad and its threats to British citizens through activities like drone attacks and attempted kidnappings. Wayne David questioned if there is a conflict of opinion between the Home Office and Foreign Office on proscription and how it would be resolved.

Government Response

Nusrat Ghani

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Henderson. I am grateful to the right hon. Member for Barking (Dame Margaret Hodge) for securing this important debate and to the debate's co-sponsor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith). Iran's attack on Israel on 13 April was just outrageous, dangerous, and unacceptable; it is hard to overstate how serious the fallout could have been if successful. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary condemned the attack in the strongest terms and imposed sanctions targeting key parts of Iran's military, as well as individuals and companies in Iran's drone and missile industries. Further bans on export components used for drone and missile production are planned. We work with international partners to deter threats from Iran, including its support to Hamas, Hezbollah, militia groups in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthis' targeting of vessels in the Red Sea. Iran's collaboration with Russia, contributing to armed conflict in Ukraine, has led to 24 sanctions designations for drone supply to Russia. We will respond swiftly if Iran proceeds with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Europe. Concerning nuclear capability, we have maintained nuclear sanctions on Iran and are committed to preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon through all diplomatic options, including triggering the UN snapback. Since January 2022, at least 15 threats backed by Iran towards individuals based in the UK were identified, prompting active disruption and response measures. A new Iran sanctions regime introduced in late 2023 gives us extensive powers to designate Iran-backed people and entities who threaten the UK and its allies, leading to more than 400 designations. The Foreign Secretary summoned Iran's most senior diplomat to respond to an ITV News report detailing plots to kill employees of Iran International. We recognise the malign threat posed by the IRGC but decisions on proscription sit with the Home Office. We have sanctioned over 60 IRGC officers and affiliated entities under our sanctions regime, but further information will be provided in writing. Sanctions are robustly enforced, and potential breaches investigated appropriately. Concerning banks like Santander and Lloyds Bank, we urge colleagues to raise these concerns with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for exploration. We condemn Iran's human rights abuses, including repression of women and girls, the uninhibited use of the death penalty, violent crackdowns on dissenting voices, and interference in UK academia. The Government have brought in the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and the National Security Act 1981 to address these issues. Universities are urged to perform due diligence checks on all customers and clients for compliance with sanctions regulations.

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