Iran

Lord Dholakia Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Dholakia (LD)]

My Lords, first, the Minister has indicated that the Government will consider applications for asylum from Iranian citizens wishing to leave that country. The embassy in Iran is now closed. What method are they going to use to make it possible for them to make a formal application to come to the United Kingdom?

Secondly, Mrs Rajavi came out with a 10-point plan for establishing a democratic, non-religious Government in Iran, which has received considerable support from Members of Parliament in this country and the rest of the world. Will the Minister take into account that the Pahlavi dynasty has an interest in assuming power but be careful that that power is not vested in a person who was deposed some years ago?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I need to repeat what I said: the future should be for the people of Iran to determine, not the UK Government.

On the issue of asylum claims and the closure of the embassy, I understand what the noble Lord is saying, but our first priority—and this is always difficult—is to our UK staff who are based in Tehran. That is a long-established way of working: we have to look after those for whom we are directly responsible. That makes support for others in Tehran and Iran more difficult. We understand that, and it is why these decisions are not taken lightly, but we had to do that in order to secure their safety.