Labour backs calls for Iran’s IRGC to be proscribed by UK government
Statement from Yvette Cooper and David Lammy came after the execution of British-Iranian national Ali Reza Akbari
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Labour has backed calls for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be proscribed by the UK government “either through the existing process, or through amending the National Security Bill.”
A statement issued jointly by the party’s home secretary Yvette Cooper and foreign secretary David Lammy called for “mean robust action” in the wake of the execution ofa British-Iranian national and former Tehran defence official, was hanged after being convicted of spying for MI6.
“The Iranian regime’s actions against courageous protesters seeking a better future, as well as British nationals imprisoned in Iran and its threats to UK security, mean robust action is needed now,” MPs David Lammy and Yvette Cooper said in a joint statement.
“Labour supports proscribing the IRGC either through the existing process, or through amending the National Security Bill.”
The move came as an announced by the UK government about a ban on the IRGC was said to be “imminent”.
Last week, during a backbench debate organised by Tory MP Bob Blackman, politicians from all sides urged the government to act over the IRGC.
Iran’s state media reported that British-Iranian national Ali Reza Akbari had been hanged on Saturday.
Labour Friends of Israel director Michael Rubin said he welcomed Labour’s move, and said the government had been “too soft” on Iran.
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