Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 8 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 November 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the request of the French government for stronger sanctions against Iran; and whether any proposed sanction will include the relevant activities of the Total Oil Company.

Answer: The Government are fully committed to stronger measures against Iran, to persuade the Iranian government to change its nuclear policy. We are working closely at all levels with the French government, who share our views on the need to increase the pressure on Iran. EU Foreign Ministers agreed at the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) on 15 October that the EU would consider what further measures it should take, and we will be pressing for a decision to implement appropriate further measures at the December GAERC, following discussion in the relevant EU working groups. The Government, together with our E3+3 partners (China, France, Germany, Russia and the US), are committed to putting a new sanctions resolution to a vote at the UN unless reports this month from Dr. Solana and Dr. El Baradei both show a positive outcome. Sanctions adopted at the UN or the EU will apply to the companies of all member states.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 163638; 467 c318W
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Iran: Sanctions
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Sanctions Iran
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk