Iran and the Middle East

Baroness Bousted Excerpts

Monday 9th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Experience tells us that, at some point, this becomes an issue of dialogue and negotiation. Who is involved, the nature of it, how it is staged and where it takes place are, as of today, not known.

[Baroness Bousted (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Austin of Dudley (Non-Afl)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Labour Benches, and then we will come to other noble Lords.

[Baroness Bousted (Lab)]

Could the Minister comment on the emerging evidence from BBC Verify that a US Tomahawk missile hit an Iranian primary school in Minab, where more than 168 people, mostly children, were killed? Are the Government liaising with the United States on this case and the issues that may arise from it?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Of course, we are talking to our partners in the United States about this and very many other issues. We have all heard these reports and, of course, when situations such as this occur, any loss of civilian life is deeply regrettable, whether they be Israeli, Iranian or anybody else.