Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jane Kennedy (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 19 January 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran

Question: Is it not true that the Iranian regime rejected a visit of Members of the European Parliament recently for fear that they might meet opposition politicians in Iran? [Interruption.] Will my right hon. Friend extend an invitation to opposition members in Iran to visit Britain to visit him as Foreign Secretary and will he offer the opportunity to Members of this Parliament to meet them?

Answer: I did not know about the visit by the European Parliament. In contrast to the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), I think that it is a good thing that the European Parliament takes an interest. He will also be pleased to know that the EU has imposed tougher sanctions on Iran than those mandated by the UN Security Council. That is one further example of the way in which Europe can play a constructive role. I know what my right hon. Friend is saying about the importance of understanding the position of the Iranian opposition. Given the incessant attempts of the Iranian regime to brand the opposition as British or western stooges, we have to be very careful about how we engage with them. It is absolutely clear that this is an indigenous movement led by patriotic Iranians who want to see their society change. It is not the plaything of the international community.

Secondary information