Sever UK-Iran ties, withdraw recognition of Iran’s regime & expel all diplomats

We urge Parliament to severe all diplomatic ties with Iran, withdraw recognition of the regime as the legitimate government of Iran, and expel any Iranian diplomats from the UK, in the wake of recent events and reported human rights abuses that have been committed there.

We believe the Islamic Republic of Iran has neglected the needs and will of its people for 47 years. Now, people are in the streets demonstrating against the regime and calling for a transition to democracy. Rather than listening and accepting their demand, the regime has decided to cut internet access, phone lines, and other means of communication with the outside world, and are reported to be suppressing protesters with live ammunition, which have killed thousands.

For decades, Iran’s behaviour across the region has caused instability, fear and suffering. Its nuclear programme remains of significant concern. The regime has used violence to suppress the Iranian people and also pursued activities that endanger peace beyond its border.

In the UK, a number of Iran-backed plots have been disrupted over the past year. We are clear about the seriousness of the domestic threat and are taking the necessary actions to counter it. Iran’s ongoing reckless attacks on countries in the region are unacceptable, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We have been clear to Iran: it must put an end to these activities.

The petition calls for the UK to sever ties, withdraw recognition and expel Iran’s diplomats. We understand why people might support these steps. However, the Government’s responsibility is to protect British lives and interests while working for a safer and more stable Middle East. Our priorities remain: preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon; supporting regional stability and protecting UK economic and security interests; protecting the UK against state threats from Iran; providing support for British Nationals; and preventing the regime from using violence to suppress its people.

We believe that maintaining our diplomatic relations, and the ability to apply firm and coordinated pressure on Iran, is essential to pursuing these objectives. Our relationship allows us to deliver clear messages directly to the regime. We still believe that a negotiated outcome is the best way to address the nuclear issue and reduce wider regional risks. Keeping channels open preserves important diplomatic leverage. Cutting ties would narrow the options available to us.