Iran

Lord Bishop of Gloucester Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Obviously, we all have opinions about that, but I think it is probably better that I do not speculate about that kind of intervention at this point.

[The Lord Bishop of Gloucester]

My Lords, as I said earlier this week, Iranian Christians across our churches are deeply distressed at not being able to have contact with their loved ones in Iran. I suspect that, in the coming months, we are going to see more Iranians arriving on our beaches. What are His Majesty’s Government doing to prepare for this and to be forward-thinking in the stance that will be adopted regarding welcome and hospitality?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We clearly advise everybody not to make that dangerous journey across the channel, and it is this Government’s intention that we reduce to zero the number of people who are doing that. That is not the right way to reach this country when in need of asylum. The issue around communications is incredibly important, and we are talking to other countries about what we may be able to do to enable access to internet or telephone communications, not just because we need to know what is happening on the ground but because, as the right reverend Prelate said, it is vital for people who are intensely concerned about their loved ones and others in their community.