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Answering member
X
Lord Reid of Cardowan
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
Primary member
Answering member
More
Reid of Cardowan, Lord (20)
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account is taken of membership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran in assessing applications for asylum in the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account is taken of membership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran in assessing applications for asylum in the UK.
Asked by
Nick Clegg
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 June 2007
For answer on
7 June 2007
Answered on
21 June 2007
Guidance to case owners on the handling of asylum claims made by Iranian nationals on the basis of their membership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran is contained in the Operational Guidance Note on Iran which is published on the Home Office website at:"http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/countryspecificasylumpolicyogns/"Case owners are also able to utilise country information on the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran in the Iran country of origin information report also available on the Home Office website at:"http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/country_reports.html."
Subjects
Asylum; Iran
Date
21 June 2007
Reference
141361; 461 c2069W
House
House of Commons
We continue to assess closely the development of a potential nuclear weapons capability in Iran, including delivery systems, taking careful note of the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has failed so far to provide the international community with the necessary confidence that its nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes, and we remain concerned that it is developing options for a nuclear weapons capability. We await the forthcoming detailed report from the IAEA.
We continue to assess closely the development of a potential nuclear weapons capability in Iran, including delivery systems, taking careful note of the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has failed so far to provide the international community with the necessary confidence that its nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes, and we remain concerned that it is developing options for a nuclear weapons capability. We await the forthcoming detailed report from the IAEA.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment he has made of Iran's nuclear weapons capability and delivery systems; and if he will make a statement. [53936]
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of Iran's nuclear weapons capability and delivery systems; and if he will make a statement. [53936]
What assessment he has made of Iran's nuclear weapons capability and delivery systems; and if he will make a statement. [53936]
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 February 2006
For answer on
27 February 2006
Answered on
27 February 2006
We continue to assess closely the development of a potential nuclear weapons capability in Iran, including delivery systems, taking careful note of the reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has failed so far to provide the international community with the necessary confidence that its nuclear programme is for exclusively peaceful purposes, and we remain concerned that it is developing options for a nuclear weapons capability. We await the forthcoming detailed report from the IAEA.
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c7; 53936
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The problem is one for the whole international community—that is increasingly recognised. Doubtless particular countries are well placed to encourage, persuade and allow the Iranians to reach such a diplomatic solution. One is obviously Russia. It is therefore regrettable that, at this stage, the Iranians appear to have rejected the overtures that the Russians have made and the avenues that they have opened. The suspicion grows that their position on the Russian efforts merely constitutes delaying tactics. I hope that that is not the case. I am convinced that there is an increasing resolve in the world, including the countries that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, to ensure that there is no question of Iran developing the capacity for nuclear weaponry.
The problem is one for the whole international community—that is increasingly recognised. Doubtless particular countries are well placed to encourage, persuade and allow the Iranians to reach such a diplomatic solution. One is obviously Russia. It is therefore regrettable that, at this stage, the Iranians appear to have rejected the overtures that the Russians have made and the avenues that they have opened. The suspicion grows that their position on the Russian efforts merely constitutes delaying tactics. I hope that that is not the case. I am convinced that there is an increasing resolve in the world, including the countries that the hon. Gentleman mentioned, to ensure that there is no question of Iran developing the capacity for nuclear weaponry.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Soames of Fletching
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
In assessing Iran's nuclear capabilities and seeking, as the free world is, a peaceful solution to the serious problem, does the Secretary of State agree that China, Russia and India are probably best placed to take the lead in seeking a peaceful resolution? Will he discuss with our American friends how we may best engage the efforts of those three countries?
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
International concern, to which the history of deception about the development of nuclear capacity, as testified to by the International Atomic Energy Agency, gives rise is only heightened by statements such as those that the hon. Gentleman mentioned. The international community is united in ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear capacity. That would be destabilising for the whole world, not only one area of it.
International concern, to which the history of deception about the development of nuclear capacity, as testified to by the International Atomic Energy Agency, gives rise is only heightened by statements such as those that the hon. Gentleman mentioned. The international community is united in ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear capacity. That would be destabilising for the whole world, not only one area of it.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Given that the Iranian President has already threatened to wipe one country from the face of the earth, does the Secretary of State agree that an Iranian regime armed with nuclear weapons should be avoided at all costs?
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am not aware of anyone who is considering or speaking about military action, certainly not at this stage. I do not think that that is on anyone's agenda. There is therefore an obligation on all of us to try to find a diplomatic solution to the problem. That is precisely why we have made so many efforts in that direction, and why I hope that, even at this late stage before the IAEA's meeting on 6 March, Iran will re-engage constructively with the international community, possibly under the auspices of Russia or through some other mechanism. We all want to see a diplomatic resolution to this matter.
I am not aware of anyone who is considering or speaking about military action, certainly not at this stage. I do not think that that is on anyone's agenda. There is therefore an obligation on all of us to try to find a diplomatic solution to the problem. That is precisely why we have made so many efforts in that direction, and why I hope that, even at this late stage before the IAEA's meeting on 6 March, Iran will re-engage constructively with the international community, possibly under the auspices of Russia or through some other mechanism. We all want to see a diplomatic resolution to this matter.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Julian Lewis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
As one of the more sensible and consistent members of the Cabinet, will the Secretary of State tell us whether he agrees with the Foreign Secretary, who says that he can conceive of no circumstances in which military action to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons would be contemplated, or with the Prime Minister, who says that he has ruled out no form of action whatever?
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
One of the effects of the diplomacy pursued by what has become known as the E3—the United Kingdom, under the Foreign Secretary, Germany and France—has been to build increasing unanimity and solidarity in the international community, increasing awareness of the dangers and increasing regret that Iran has, thus far, not taken the opportunity to try to resolve the matter diplomatically. The next step must surely be for Iran to re-engage in suspending the activities that breached its earlier promises and to try to do that before 6 March, when the next meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency takes place. Like the whole international community, I hope that Iran will take the opportunity to re-engage and try to find a diplomatic resolution of the problem.
One of the effects of the diplomacy pursued by what has become known as the E3—the United Kingdom, under the Foreign Secretary, Germany and France—has been to build increasing unanimity and solidarity in the international community, increasing awareness of the dangers and increasing regret that Iran has, thus far, not taken the opportunity to try to resolve the matter diplomatically. The next step must surely be for Iran to re-engage in suspending the activities that breached its earlier promises and to try to do that before 6 March, when the next meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency takes place. Like the whole international community, I hope that Iran will take the opportunity to re-engage and try to find a diplomatic resolution of the problem.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Louise Ellman
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the strength of the international resolve to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state? What does he believe the next step should be?
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The non-proliferation treaty is the most important element of international agreement that aims at what my hon. Friend outlines. It is worrying for the whole international community that Iran appears to have breached its safeguard obligations under the NPT for some time. I can do no better than quote Dr. el-Baradei, who made it clear in an interview with Newsweek as recently as 23 January that"““even after three years I am not yet in a position to make a judgement on the peaceful nature of the nuclear program””"
in Iran.
It must be recognised that neither the EU nor the international community as a whole is trying to deny Iran access to nuclear technology. Indeed, the European proposals of 5 August outlined our readiness to consider a number of significant elements in support of a civilian nuclear programme. However, the IAEA has made it clear to Iran that it lacks confidence in the peaceful aims of its nuclear programme; that is the essential element of the problem. We have therefore asked Iran to suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activity, as a confidence-building measure. I am afraid that its refusal to maintain that suspension only heightens the suspicions and concerns of the international community, and the sooner it gets back into dialogue to resolve this matter diplomatically, the better it will be for the whole world.
The non-proliferation treaty is the most important element of international agreement that aims at what my hon. Friend outlines. It is worrying for the whole international community that Iran appears to have breached its safeguard obligations under the NPT for some time. I can do no better than quote Dr. el-Baradei, who made it clear in an interview with Newsweek as recently as 23 January that"““even after three years I am not yet in a position to make a judgement on the peaceful nature of the nuclear program””"
in Iran.
It must be recognised that neither the EU nor the international community as a whole is trying to deny Iran access to nuclear technology. Indeed, the European proposals of 5 August outlined our readiness to consider a number of significant elements in support of a civilian nuclear programme. However, the IAEA has made it clear to Iran that it lacks confidence in the peaceful aims of its nuclear programme; that is the essential element of the problem. We have therefore asked Iran to suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activity, as a confidence-building measure. I am afraid that its refusal to maintain that suspension only heightens the suspicions and concerns of the international community, and the sooner it gets back into dialogue to resolve this matter diplomatically, the better it will be for the whole world.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Miller
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
My right hon. Friend knows that there are increasing obligations for technology transfer for peaceful purposes. What protections are in place for the development of wider, peaceful use of nuclear power and avoiding the transfer of some of that technology to countries such as Iran, as occurred under A. Q. Khan's regime?
Subjects
International Atomic Energy Agency; Nuclear weapons; Nuclear power; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; Iran
Date
27 February 2006
Reference
443 c8-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of the potential threat to NATO countries and armies of the development of long-range missile technology in Iran.
What assessment he has made of the potential threat to NATO countries and armies of the development of long-range missile technology in Iran.
Asked by
Philip Hollobone
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 December 2005
For answer on
12 December 2005
Answered on
12 December 2005
We continually monitor the potential threat that long-range missiles present to NATO countries and armies. Iran already has short and medium-range missiles in service, some of which could reach NATO territory, and its potential for developing longer-range missiles has been recognised for some time.
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
36102; 440 c1098
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We continually monitor the potential threat that long-range missiles present to NATO countries and armies. Iran already has short and medium-range missiles in service, some of which could reach NATO territory, and its potential for developing longer-range missiles has been recognised for some time.
We continually monitor the potential threat that long-range missiles present to NATO countries and armies. Iran already has short and medium-range missiles in service, some of which could reach NATO territory, and its potential for developing longer-range missiles has been recognised for some time.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Philip Hollobone
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment he has made of the potential threat to NATO countries and armies of the development of long-range missile technology in Iran.
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
440 c1098
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Yes, I believe that it should be at the top of the international agenda. I am sorry if my tone today is emollient and sorrowful rather than aggressive. I am trying to find my sorrowful side on the matter after advice from so many Conservative colleagues.
Notwithstanding that, the problem is serious for the reasons that I outlined. They include not only our concern about the link with the attempts to kill our troops in Iraq but the statements threatening to wipe Israel off the map, the history of clandestine attempts to develop nuclear weapons and the possibility of long-range missile delivery systems. All that is difficult, but solving the problem diplomatically would serve the world better. I therefore assure my hon. Friend that the greatest urgency and priority has been given to the matter and I simply ask him to witness the efforts, energies and time-consuming dedication that the Foreign Secretary has shown on it. It is our profound wish that this matter be solved quickly and diplomatically, and the way for that to happen expeditiously is for Iran to return to the suspension of the facilities and the conversion, as it promised to do earlier, and to enter into serious negotiations in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Yes, I believe that it should be at the top of the international agenda. I am sorry if my tone today is emollient and sorrowful rather than aggressive. I am trying to find my sorrowful side on the matter after advice from so many Conservative colleagues.
Notwithstanding that, the problem is serious for the reasons that I outlined. They include not only our concern about the link with the attempts to kill our troops in Iraq but the statements threatening to wipe Israel off the map, the history of clandestine attempts to develop nuclear weapons and the possibility of long-range missile delivery systems. All that is difficult, but solving the problem diplomatically would serve the world better. I therefore assure my hon. Friend that the greatest urgency and priority has been given to the matter and I simply ask him to witness the efforts, energies and time-consuming dedication that the Foreign Secretary has shown on it. It is our profound wish that this matter be solved quickly and diplomatically, and the way for that to happen expeditiously is for Iran to return to the suspension of the facilities and the conversion, as it promised to do earlier, and to enter into serious negotiations in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Julian Lewis
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Secretary of State recall the powerful speech that the Prime Minister made in March 2003, when he described the nightmare scenario of a rogue regime with nuclear or WMD technology and the means to deliver it coming together with fundamentalist extremists who would want to use such weapons? Is not that combination ready made in Iran? Is he as worried as I am by the statement over the weekend that Israel is actively planning military action, and can he inject his sorrowful and concerned tone, with which we all concur, with greater urgency? The matter should be at the top of the international agenda.
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
440 c1099-100
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We continually keep that under review. It is not possible, by the very nature of intelligence matters, to be definite about these things. However, we know, for instance, that Iran has made no secret of its aspirations to develop a satellite launch capability, which of course has a very close relationship with the technology required for longer-range missile systems. We also know that Iran is proclaiming its desire to develop civil nuclear capacity in the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency's revelations that it has been trying to deceive the international community by developing a nuclear weapons facility. There are also the public statements by the President of Iran, threatening to wipe off the map another member of the United Nations. Taken together, those matters alert us to a serious problem, which is not only ours but that of the international community.
We continually keep that under review. It is not possible, by the very nature of intelligence matters, to be definite about these things. However, we know, for instance, that Iran has made no secret of its aspirations to develop a satellite launch capability, which of course has a very close relationship with the technology required for longer-range missile systems. We also know that Iran is proclaiming its desire to develop civil nuclear capacity in the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency's revelations that it has been trying to deceive the international community by developing a nuclear weapons facility. There are also the public statements by the President of Iran, threatening to wipe off the map another member of the United Nations. Taken together, those matters alert us to a serious problem, which is not only ours but that of the international community.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Philip Hollobone
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What assessment have Her Majesty's Government made of the potential leakage to Iran of personnel and knowledge connected with Pakistan's nuclear programme?
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
440 c1098-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
It certainly seems to me—as it presumably does to most objective observers of these events—that the proliferation of information, advice, tuition and details from the A.Q. Khan network has been one of the most dangerous examples of proliferation in recent years. If my hon. Friend's comment was an implicit criticism of President Musharraf, however, I will not join him in that. The President of Pakistan is making a serious effort in attempting to resolve the crisis with India in Kashmir, to restrain the excesses of the madrassahs, and to ensure a diminution of the entry of terrorism into Afghanistan. However, Iran itself has now declared that it has received offers of information on developing nuclear weaponry, and the proliferation of such information is very worrying indeed. As I said, the way to resolve this issue is for Iran to come back to the negotiating table and to respond to the efforts being made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and by France and Germany to engage diplomatically on these matters.
It certainly seems to me—as it presumably does to most objective observers of these events—that the proliferation of information, advice, tuition and details from the A.Q. Khan network has been one of the most dangerous examples of proliferation in recent years. If my hon. Friend's comment was an implicit criticism of President Musharraf, however, I will not join him in that. The President of Pakistan is making a serious effort in attempting to resolve the crisis with India in Kashmir, to restrain the excesses of the madrassahs, and to ensure a diminution of the entry of terrorism into Afghanistan. However, Iran itself has now declared that it has received offers of information on developing nuclear weaponry, and the proliferation of such information is very worrying indeed. As I said, the way to resolve this issue is for Iran to come back to the negotiating table and to respond to the efforts being made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and by France and Germany to engage diplomatically on these matters.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
David Drew
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I hear what my right hon. Friend says about diplomacy. Does he agree, however, that the role of Pakistan is important in this regard, particularly the role that A.Q. Khan played in supposedly giving information on nuclear weaponry to the Government of Iran? Would it not be a good idea if that information were shared more widely, and if, rather than keeping A.Q. Khan under house arrest in Islamabad, he were made available to those who know what has happened, so that we can really see what information the Iranians have?
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
440 c1100
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Undoubtedly, we would all, including the United Kingdom Government, like better relationships with Iran. We would much prefer problems to be tackled in a civilised, diplomatic and fraternal fashion. That is why the United Kingdom has led the European three with France and Germany, and I pay tribute to the efforts of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on that. We want to try to resolve the problem through diplomatic means.
However, that is not helped by statements such as those by the President of Iran, revelations of a secret development or attempt to develop nuclear weapons, or a breach by Iran of its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty. That is a challenge not only to us but to the international community and the United Nations. However, we are doing what we can to resolve the matter diplomatically and I hope that the Iranians will respond and go back to their original action—to stop the unwelcome restarting of the uranium conversion facility at Isfahan and suspend those activities while we try to resolve the problems diplomatically.
Undoubtedly, we would all, including the United Kingdom Government, like better relationships with Iran. We would much prefer problems to be tackled in a civilised, diplomatic and fraternal fashion. That is why the United Kingdom has led the European three with France and Germany, and I pay tribute to the efforts of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on that. We want to try to resolve the problem through diplomatic means.
However, that is not helped by statements such as those by the President of Iran, revelations of a secret development or attempt to develop nuclear weapons, or a breach by Iran of its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty. That is a challenge not only to us but to the international community and the United Nations. However, we are doing what we can to resolve the matter diplomatically and I hope that the Iranians will respond and go back to their original action—to stop the unwelcome restarting of the uranium conversion facility at Isfahan and suspend those activities while we try to resolve the problems diplomatically.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Michael Clapham
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I listened to what my right hon. Friend said with great interest. He knows that countries in the South Caucasus such as Azerbaijan, Armenia and Kazakhstan have close relations with NATO—they are members of the partnership for peace programme—but they also have good relations with Iran. Does he believe that we could encourage those countries to build better relationships with Iran that might lead to a better understanding of NATO's role?
Subjects
NATO; Iran; Guided weapons
Date
12 December 2005
Reference
440 c1099
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was first informed that military equipment supplied by Iran may have been used against British soldiers in southern Iraq; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was first informed that military equipment supplied by Iran may have been used against British soldiers in southern Iraq; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Michael Moore
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 October 2005
For answer on
12 October 2005
Answered on
18 October 2005
I first became aware in early summer 2005 of reports suggesting that military equipment originating in Iran may have been used against British soldiers in Southern Iraq. New types of explosive devices are being used—not just against British Forces, but elsewhere in Iraq—and the nature of those devices suggests a connection with Lebanese Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. We cannot, however be certain of this at the present time, and while we continue to investigate the matter, we will continue to stress to the Iranian authorities the need for non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Iraq; Peacekeeping operations; Iran
Date
18 October 2005
Reference
17155; 437 c917W;437 c893W
House
House of Commons
We continue to press the Iranian Government for the return of the Royal Navy boats and equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab in June 2004.
We continue to press the Iranian Government for the return of the Royal Navy boats and equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab in June 2004.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Daniel Kawczynski
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What progress has been made in securing repatriation of the Royal Navy's equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Equipment; Navy; Territorial waters; Diplomatic relations; Iran
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c622-3
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Without prejudice and without conceding anything on the question of our boats, which, apart from anything else, are valued at approximately £130,000, but also involve a principle, it would be beneficial for all parties if we could get agreement. Given my hon. Friend's minute knowledge of the sandbanks and the Shatt-al-Arab waterway, courtesy of many visits through the armed forces parliamentary scheme, perhaps he could assist in that process.
Without prejudice and without conceding anything on the question of our boats, which, apart from anything else, are valued at approximately £130,000, but also involve a principle, it would be beneficial for all parties if we could get agreement. Given my hon. Friend's minute knowledge of the sandbanks and the Shatt-al-Arab waterway, courtesy of many visits through the armed forces parliamentary scheme, perhaps he could assist in that process.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Miller
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Although I accept my right hon. Friend's explanation, the Iranians take a different view of the definition of the boundary between Iraq and Iran in the area that we are considering. That is partly because of a moving sandbank, which the Iranians choose to use as a definition instead of a point on land. Would not it make sense if, in the longer term, we tried to encourage the parties to negotiate a long-standing treaty to help prevent such problems from recurring? The matter is serious and has implications for some oil-related issues.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Equipment; Navy; Territorial waters; Diplomatic relations; Iran
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c623
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I can do no better than agree with the hon. Gentleman, not least because we have objective evidence for what he says. The global positioning system data downloaded from the boats' navigational equipment—and shared by both sides—support the British servicemen's account that they were intercepted in the middle of the waterway and taken to the Iranian side. We continue to make every conceivable overture and protest through the Foreign Secretary. However, I am prepared to bring the hon. Gentleman's comments to the Foreign Secretary's attention because I am sure that they represent the House's view.
I can do no better than agree with the hon. Gentleman, not least because we have objective evidence for what he says. The global positioning system data downloaded from the boats' navigational equipment—and shared by both sides—support the British servicemen's account that they were intercepted in the middle of the waterway and taken to the Iranian side. We continue to make every conceivable overture and protest through the Foreign Secretary. However, I am prepared to bring the hon. Gentleman's comments to the Foreign Secretary's attention because I am sure that they represent the House's view.
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Asked by
Daniel Kawczynski
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I thank the Secretary of State for that answer but I find it unacceptable that the Iranian Government have purloined our equipment. Is he prepared to work with the Foreign Secretary to put pressure on Iran via the United Nations on the matter? As he knows, our soldiers strayed across the Shatt-al-Arab and did not enter Iranian territory. They were coerced on to the Iranian side of the Shatt-al-Arab. The Iranian Government have committed an illegal act.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Equipment; Navy; Territorial waters; Diplomatic relations; Iran
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c623
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What progress has been made in securing repatriation of the Royal Navy's equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab.
What progress has been made in securing repatriation of the Royal Navy's equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab.
Asked by
Daniel Kawczynski
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 October 2005
For answer on
17 October 2005
Answered on
17 October 2005
We continue to press the Iranian Government for the return of the Royal Navy boats and equipment seized by Iranian forces in the Shatt-al-Arab in June 2004.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Equipment; Navy; Territorial waters; Diplomatic relations; Iran
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c622-3; 17615
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current whereabouts of the three Royal Naval patrol boats seized by Iran in June 2004; what representations he has made to the government of Iran since their seizure; and what his assessment is of...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current whereabouts of the three Royal Naval patrol boats seized by Iran in June 2004; what representations he has made to the government of Iran since their seizure; and what his assessment is of...
Asked by
Julian Lewis
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Reid of Cardowan
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 June 2005
For answer on
7 July 2005
Answered on
7 July 2005
Current information indicates that the three patrol boats are being held in South West Iran. We have maintained a dialogue with the Iranian authorities since June 2004 and, at every opportunity, continue to press for their return.
Subjects
Warships; Iran
Date
7 July 2005
Reference
9765; 436 c555W
House
House of Commons