MP calls on the Government to rule out the use of force
John Baron MP has secured a House of Commons full-day debate on Monday (20th February) on Iran. John has tabled a motion calling on the Government to rule out the use of force and to redouble diplomatic efforts in order to reduce tensions. He intends to divide the House to test the view and will of Parliament. This will be the first specific debate on Iran for many years.
John said,
“With tough new sanctions being introduced by both sides, naval forces mustering in the Persian Gulf and the suspicion of ongoing state-sponsored terrorism, the debate is urgently needed. It may be the only opportunity to discuss the matter before possible hostilities begin.”
“The catalyst for the latest round of condemnation against Iran has been the IAEA’s November report. But close reading reveals no ‘smoking gun’. There is no evidence of attempts to produce nuclear weapons, or of a decision to do so. Much is made of Western intelligence reports – but Iraq should have told us to be careful on this front.”
“The use of force by Israel, or anyone else, would be catastrophic and would re-enforce the position of the hardliners within Iran. Furthermore, knowledge can not be eradicated. If Iran has set herself on nuclear weapons, she will not be scared away; if she hasn’t, a military strike would encourage her to do so. We should rule out the use of force in order to reduce tensions.”
“The debate about Iran has so far lacked balance. The only sensible option is calm, yet vigorous, diplomacy. There needs to be implicit recognition of Iran’s status as a regional power – the precedent being Nixon’s rapprochement with China in the 1970s. Once again, the US needs to see the big picture and ensure its key ally in the region exercises restraint.”
Thank you. The first time I have heard anything sensible said about Iran. I wish you were my MP.
Dear Mr Baron
I congratulate you and am immensely grateful for this motion. I am a British Iranian woman in Bristol and the thought of being torn between my homeland and my adopted home where I have lived for many years, married into and made my best and dearest friends, is tormenting, as if joy and happiness are no longer possible. The threat of war and unjustified sanctions are destroying the Iran’s infrastructure and lives of millions of Iranians who bear no animosity towards the UK, and indeed the US and Israel, had there not been for such sense of injustice, lawlessness and the chronic fear of destruction and death raining upon them. Indeed, not only the the IAEA report, but the US defence secretary, Leon Panetta, and Pentagon acknowledge that there is no indication that Iran’s nuclear programme is a weaponisation programme or a decision has been made in that direction.
As you say, the threat of war, and killing sanctions too which ARE an act of war, must be ruled out and serious negotiations without pre-conditions and in good faith must be given time to resolve the stand-off for the sake of peace and for the benefit of all.
There are many, both British and Iranian, who wish for justice and peace, who support you.
All my best wishes.
Yours sincerely
Mehrnaz Shahabi (Bristol)
Congratulations again on securing a debate on this suppressed but vital bundle of questions over Iran. I hope you gather more support as a result of your clear and persuasive arguments.
It would be helpful for the public to get involved at a Seminar in the House. Would you agree? I have invited Lord Ahmed to Chair it. Kate Hoey would I believe be interested. No doubt Jeremy Corbyn wouldThe difficulty is getting someone like Hague or even Jeremy Brown to come and be grilled on his prejudices against Iran. Do you have a name? I await a reply from Steven Gilbert MP.
Yours sincerely
Dr James B Thring