Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Keith Simpson (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Middle East

Question: The Foreign Secretary, Foreign Office Ministers and Foreign Office officials have pointed out to the British public that sophisticated munitions, probably supplied from Iran, have gone into southern Iraq thanks to Hezbollah and have caused death and injury to British troops. The Foreign Secretary has rightly, in a broad sense, condemned Hezbollah. He has obviously outlined that there are limits, perhaps outside the UK, on what the British Government can do, but the British public would be surprised to think that the political wing of Hezbollah is allowed to function in London, given the facts that the Foreign Secretary and his officials have produced. What practical measures does he intend to take against the political wing of Hezbollah?

Answer: I am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman said, overall. However, all organisations operating in the United Kingdom must do so within the law. Some organisations, including those that he mentioned, are kept under close scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. If there is any evidence that they are transgressing and they thus become candidates for proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary examines that evidence with great care. These are not just the usual warm words because the matter is kept under continuous review.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c128
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Middle East Peace negotiations Armed conflict Terrorism Israel Hezbollah
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk