VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Iran: Demonstrations

Asked by James WildConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 20 January 2026UIN 907377

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to hold Iran to account for the repression of protesters.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The killing and brutal repression of peaceful protesters in Iran is horrific. Iranians must be able to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of reprisal.

The Iranian government must immediately end the violence, uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure British nationals are safe. The Foreign Secretary made this very clear when she spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 12 January, and I did likewise when we summoned the Iranian Ambassador the following day.

We are working closely with our partners to ensure the Iranian regime is held accountable for its violent repression and systematic human rights abuses against its own people.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim