Iran: Protests

Baroness Kennedy of Shaws Excerpts

Monday 12th January 2026 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government (1) what assessment they have made of the treatment of protesters in Iran, and (2) how they are engaging with the government of the United States on proposed responses to ensure that these are in accordance with international law.

[Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws (Lab)]

My Lords, I should declare that I am the director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, which has been monitoring human rights abuses in Iran for many years.

A grave human rights crisis is unfolding in Iran. As many noble Lords will know, a nationwide uprising has been taking place in 111 cities across Iran. This is not confined to Tehran, or to its students or young women; it is across all classes and all the peoples of Iran. The regime is using live ammunition against unarmed citizens. There are mass arrests as well as a total internet and telecommunications blackout. Bodies are piling up in morgues, but families cannot locate their loved ones. Hospitals are overwhelmed and even Starlink connectivity is reported to be jammed. What assessment have the Government made of the treatment of protesters in Iran? What do they feel that they can do, and how are they engaging with the Government of the United States on proposed responses to ensure that those are in accordance with international law? The people of Iran want democracy; they do not want outside entities to bring about regime change.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

I am grateful to my noble friend for her Question and commend her for her many years of work and dedication to this issue, and to the people of Iran. We too are deeply concerned about the use of violence against protesters and strongly condemn the killing of protesters. Iranians must be able to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear or reprisal, and we urge Iran to immediately restore access to the internet and communications. With regards to engagement with the United States, its policy towards Iran is, obviously, a matter for the US Government. The UK remains absolutely committed to international law and expects other countries to do the same. That is essential for global security and stability.