PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Iran (27 October 2014)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what priority the Government gives to the human rights situation in Iran as a factor in the development of bilateral relations with that country and in the potential re-opening of embassies in Tehran and London; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Sir Stephen Timms (Labour)

We remain deeply concerned by the dire human rights situation in Iran. Iran is one of the UK Government's "Countries of Concern" on human rights and thus subject to enhanced monitoring and reporting on human rights developments. We hope that President Rouhani will act on the pledges he has made to implement social reforms and improve the rights of all citizens in Iran. But responsibility for human rights in Iran does not fall under the direct authority of the President. Genuine progress, while essential, will be difficult to achieve. Improving our bilateral relationship with Iran is in the interests of both countries. It does not mean we suddenly agree on everything; on the contrary, we will continue to have sharp disagreements with Iran, particularly over human rights. But a functioning relationship, including with embassies reopened, will better equip us to respond to those challenges.
Answered by:
Mr Tobias Ellwood (Conservative)
30 October 2014