Iran

Fred Thomas Excerpts

Tuesday 13th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Yvette Cooper]

Obviously, it is for the US to set out its approach. I have set out the approach that we are taking here. I welcome the hon. Member’s condemnation of the brutality that we are seeing not just in Tehran but across Iran. I would just say that her party’s comments on this would have more credibility if its Members spoke with the same strength of feeling about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, especially given the close and disturbing links between Iran and Russia, which are one of the most troubling aspects of the Iranian regime. That is why we should stand firm on all these issues, and I am disappointed that she will not.

[Fred Thomas (Plymouth Moor View) (Lab)]

Reform Members should note that the Iranian regime, which they have decided to be against, very much supports their Russian friends with the Shahed drone.

I welcome the news that we are working with allies to discuss using Starlink to overcome some of the communication barriers. The British-Iranian community are trying to donate to people back in Iran, but they cannot do so because of sanctions. Can you assure me and the House that you are looking at the specific issue of how the British-Iranian community can donate back to Iran?

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Mr Thomas, you used the word “you” twice. I am not here to respond to your questions.