Iran: Protests

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Monday 12th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

I am grateful to my noble friend for her Question and commend her for her many years of work and dedication to this issue, and to the people of Iran. We too are deeply concerned about the use of violence against protesters and strongly condemn the killing of protesters. Iranians must be able to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear or reprisal, and we urge Iran to immediately restore access to the internet and communications. With regards to engagement with the United States, its policy towards Iran is, obviously, a matter for the US Government. The UK remains absolutely committed to international law and expects other countries to do the same. That is essential for global security and stability.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her Question. I am sure that we are all watching the news reports with interest. Personally, I find it deeply humbling to watch the astonishing bravery of hundreds of thousands of ordinary Iranians in facing the guns and murderous tactics of that brutal regime. If they are arrested, they also now face execution. It is quite astonishing to watch their desire for freedom and democracy. Can I please ask the Minister two questions? First, what is being done to challenge the Iranian regime over the violence it is conducting? I know that we have diplomats in Tehran; what role are they playing, what reports is the Minister receiving back from them, and why has the Foreign Secretary not yet summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest at the brutality? Secondly, given the statements from President Trump, what discussions have taken place with the US Administration over their plans and their challenge to this brutal regime?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The UK is clear in its condemnation of the regime’s brutality towards protesters. For many different reasons, we fundamentally support the right of those who are bravely taking to the streets and showing enormous courage to make their case in the way that they wish. Communication with the Iranian regime is something that my friend the Foreign Secretary will be actively considering.