A number of Conservative MPs criticised the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran for failing to acknowledge the country’s human rights record, during a Westminster Hall debate last week.
The debate, which was on the subject of human rights in Iran, coincided with US President Donald Trump’s refusal to certify the Iran nuclear deal and his unveiling of a new stance on the country.
The UK Government this week reiterated Britain’s commitment to the agreement, but also expressed “serious concerns” about Iran’s ballistic missile programme, and its “destabilising activity” in the region.
CFI Vice-Chairman, Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, led the debate, highlighting the cases of British prisoners in Iranian jails and condemning the regime for its “dire” human rights record and oppression of minorities.
Ms Villiers emphasised: “No bright new dawn for Iran has emerged under the Rouhani regime. Nor has the nuclear deal led to any improvement in the situation”. Conservative MPs Bob Blackman and Matthew Offord also gave speeches in the debate.
Click here to read the debate’s transcript on Hansard.
In response to a statement on the UK’s position on the JCPOA by Middle East Minister Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP on Monday, CFI Vice-Chairman John Howell OBE MP raised regime’s continuing financing of terror groups.
