Iran places six more UK parliamentarians and MI5 chief on new sanctions list

Six more UK parliamentarians – including Tory immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and former Labour shadow middle east minister Wayne David – have been placed on Iran’s latest sanctions list.

The MPs and peers – who also include Labour’s John Spellar, the independent crossbencher Lord Alton, and the Conservative MP David Jones and Matteo Afford – were informed by the foreign office about Tehran’s actions on Monday.

Also appearing on the latest sanctions list was Geoffrey Bindman, head of the British Institute of Human Rights and Ken McCallum director general of MI5.

Labour’s David told Jewish News those parliamentarians added to the list “have stood up for human rights.”

The Caerphilly MP also said he had “strongly supported the concern Israel has put out about the very real threat Iran poses and will continue to do so.

“They can put us on lists, make threats all they like, but nevertheless we will continue to support the democratic opposition against what is happening in Iran.

“What we have seen in recent days (with the executions) has been appalling, truly unacceptable to civilised opinion.”

Also appearing on the latest sanctions list was Geoffrey Bindman, head of the British Institute of Human Rights and Ken McCallum director general of MI5.

In the Commons on Tuesday, foreign secretary James Cleverly told Labour MP David he should consider being named on the list “a badge of honour”.

Announcing the move Iran said: “Due to their intentional support for terrorism and terrorist organizations as well as their promotion of terrorism, violence, and hatred that result in riots, violence, terrorist acts, and violations of the of Iranian citizens, the foreign ministry imposes sanctions on specific British individuals and entities.

“This decision was taken as a reciprocal measure and in accordance with the pertinent regulations and mechanisms.”

Last month the Tory peer Lord Polak was amongst those named on an earlier sanctions list.

Mohsen Shekari, 23, was hanged in Tehran last Thursday after just 75 days in custody for his role in demonstrations against the regime.

On Monday, 23-year-old Majidreza Rahnavard was hanged from a construction crane as a warning to the public – the second execution over current protests.