Today, the Foreign Affairs Committee publishes the Government’s response to the
committee’s report “No
prosperity without justice: the UK’s relationship with Iran”.
The Government expresses concern over Iran’s non-compliance in
the JCPOA, but does not commit to working towards fostering a
replacement. Additionally, the Government, while expressing
concern over the actions of the IRGC, did not confirm that the
organisation was under consideration for proscription in its
entirety. The Government does not commit to use of the term
“State Hostage Taking”.
Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, , said:
“Unfortunately, although receptive to the recommendations of the
Committee, the Government falls short of making concrete
commitments.
“The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ actions consistently meet
the criteria of a terrorist organisation. Their role sowing the
seeds of instability, and causing pain and suffering throughout
the region, should not be ignored. I remain hopeful that the
Government will follow our recommendation on the proscription of
the IRGC.
“Whilst the UK’s use of the UN and international forums to
criticise the detention of citizens is positive, we could do
more. The Government must send a clear message and condemn the
Iranian state for blatant and brazen Hostage Taking.
“It is disappointing that the Government has not committed to
fostering a replacement to the JCPOA as some seem to believe the
agreement, now severely undermined, is the answer. The UK is
uniquely placed to take a leading role in negotiating a new deal
that delivers peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.
“The real victims of the Iranian state are the Iranian people,
who suffer intolerable human rights abuses at the hands of their
own Government.”
