Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about the protests in Iran. I condemn the brutal killing of Iranian protesters in their home country.
I would like to see the Iranian authorities support freedom of expression, the ability to seek, receive and impart information, and freedom of association and peaceful assembly, without fear of reprisal. The Iranian security forces must be held accountable for the deliberate use of violence that has claimed thousands of lives.
The Iranian regime’s behaviour is in keeping with its fundamental nature and track record, including previous conduct towards its own people. Iran is a destabilising actor in the region, backing terrorist and extremist groups, providing weapons and support for Russia against Ukraine and continues to develop its nuclear programme. It also conducts threats in the UK. The UK Government is working to protect our nation against such threats and will not tolerate them on UK soil.
I support the UK’s readiness alongside other members of the G7 to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on dissent in violation of its international human rights obligations. Ministers have summoned the Iranian ambassador and been in contact with their Iranian counterparts.
In October last year, the UK, France and Germany reinstated the six previously terminated United Nations sanctions resolutions on Iran. I support further legislation to implement more sectoral measures against Iranian finance, energy, transport as well as existing ones against key players in Iran’s oil, energy, nuclear and financial systems.
The UK will continue to work with the EU and our other partners to explore what additional measures might be needed in response to these most recent developments.
Thank you once again for contacting me.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland