Iran and the Middle East

Lord Hannay of Chiswick Excerpts

Monday 9th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

There are vast books written about international law that the noble Lord may wish to consult. But, clearly, after Iran strikes civilian sites—hotels in Dubai where British nationals are staying, with their lives put at risk—then what we are doing to support the United States is clearly a defensive action.

[Lord Hannay of Chiswick (CB)]

My Lords, will the Minister agree that, for there to be any stability in the Gulf region and in the Middle East, there will have to be some kind of negotiated outcome on Iran’s nuclear activities, its missiles and its support for proxies? If that is so, what are the Government doing to discuss with the Chancellor of Germany and the President of France ideas that could be brought forward at some stage to achieve those objectives, other than by a collapse into chaos of Iran?

[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.