Oral Answers to Questions

Neil Carmichael Excerpts

Tuesday 17th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)]

11. What discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on Iran; and if he will make a statement.

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

13. What discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on Iran; and if he will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague)]

I am in regular contact with my European colleagues on Iran. Most recently my officials met Iranian representatives, alongside those of France, Germany, the United States, China and Russia, in Istanbul on Saturday to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme.

--- Later in debate ---

[Neil Carmichael]

In the Foreign Secretary’s discussions with his ministerial colleagues in the EU about Iran, what measures are being considered in response to growing concerns about nuclear proliferation in Iran?

[Mr Hague]

The measures we will take will go down the twin track of sanctions and negotiations. We now have unprecedented sanctions coming into force on Iran, including not just the oil embargo but a partial asset freeze on the central bank of Iran, and expanded financial measures against Iran, including on gold and precious metals. However, we are sincere about negotiations. I am pleased that the opening round of negotiations in Istanbul went better than previous rounds, and a second round has been agreed for Baghdad on 23 May.