Iran’s national airline should be banned from Heathrow airport because Tehran supports Russia, British lawmakers have heard.
Former Conservative minister Liam Fox asked why Iran Air operates regular flights from its West London hub.
Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in recent weeks over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by police in Tehran for failing to abide by Iran’s strict dress code for women.
Iran also admits to supplying Russia with drones, but claims the transfer took place before Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Dr. Fox told Commons that what we are seeing is “further barbaric action from a toxic regime against its own people.”
He said British society should “unite to give moral support to the Iranian people who seek to pursue their basic human rights”.
He added that it is well established that Iran Air was used to transport drones to Russia, which Russia uses to “suppress the people of Ukraine” – and Heathrow. I asked why they still operate daily flights from
Ratley replied that the government had already taken urgent steps in response to Iran’s activities in support of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
He also said the British government “totally condemns” the Iranian government’s decision to resort to “barbaric methods” to crack down on protesters, but the number of death sentences handed down by the country’s courts has increased. I am afraid to
“Britain is against the death penalty in all circumstances,” he said. “It is even more abhorrent that a sentenced person is being arrested while claiming his or her rights.”
The minister also faced calls for Britain to declare its support for regime change in Iran and to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the list of banned terrorist organizations in the UK.
Rutley says:
“We are constantly considering the ban, but cannot comment at this stage.”
Updated: Nov 16, 2022 at 5:03 PM
