London, Jan 12, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Britain’s security services are “alive” to the increased threat posed to Iranian dissidents in the United Kingdom amid the current protests against Iran’s Islamic rulers, a foreign minister has said.
Warning the government “won’t stand for it,” Labour peer Jenny Chapman said whatever measures necessary would be taken to keep people safe.
Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands detained in the uprising against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule.
Protests in Iran began on December 28 over the ailing economy and have transformed into the most significant challenge to the regime for several years.
The internet and telephone lines have been cut off, but footage of events in Tehran and other cities has made it to social media.
Speaking during an urgent question in the House of Lords on the current unrest, conservative former foreign minister Hugo Swire pointed out the security services had prevented more than 20 assassination attempts against Iranian exiles on British soil.
He said: “This situation is not going to die down. Both sides are going to become, I suspect, more entrenched, and if the regime is trying to hold on, is likely to become more violent towards those who are opposing it.”
“With that in mind, what can the minister say to reassure those brave Iranians living in the United Kingdom that everything will be done to protect them from agents of a foreign power who may seek to carry out atrocities against them on British soil?”
Responding, Chapman said: “This is such an important point. As he reminds us, our security services have done amazing things in preventing so many attempts at attacks on this country.”
“We will not stand for it. We will take whatever measures necessary to keep everybody in this country safe.”
“He is talking in particular about those who have drawn the attention of the Iranian regime, and we will continue to do that.”
“Our security services are alive to the increased threat that they face at present.”
Earlier leading lawyer Helena Kennedy, who is director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, which has been monitoring human rights abuses in Iran for many years, said: “A grave human rights crisis is unfolding in Iran.”
“As many will know, there has been a nationwide uprising taking place in 111 cities across Iran. This is not confined to Tehran and the students of Tehran or the young women of Tehran, this is across all classes and all the peoples of Iran.”
“The regime is using live ammunition against unarmed citizens. There are mass arrests, and there is a total internet and telecommunications blackout.”
“Bodies are piling up in morgues, but families cannot locate their loved ones.”
Pressing the Labour front bench, she added: “What assessment they have made of the treatment of protesters in Iran, what they feel that the British Government can be doing and how they are engaging with the government of the United States on proposed responses to ensure that these are in accordance with international law?”
“The people of Iran want democracy. They do not want outside entities to bring about regime change.”
Her comments come after US President Donald Trump threatened to carry out strikes against the Tehran government over its deadly crackdown against protesters.
Chapman said: “We are also 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 of reprisal, and we urge Iran to immediately restore access to the internet and communications.”
“With regards to engagement with the United States, their policy towards Iran obviously is a matter for the US government.”
“The UK remains absolutely committed to international law, and expects other countries to do the same. This is essential for global security and stability.”
GNA