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Written Question
Oppression: Iran
Monday 16th March 2026

Asked by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to protect Iranian dissidents, journalists and human‑rights defenders resident in the UK from surveillance, harassment and threats linked to the Iranian state.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Office works closely with other Government departments as well as relevant agencies and law enforcement to protect those identified as being at risk.  We will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK and its people against any threats from the Iranian state. Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK, including Iranian dissidents, journalists and human-rights defenders, will be thoroughly investigated.

The National Security Act 2023 strengthens our powers to counter transnational repression and provides the security services and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to deter, detect, and disrupt modern-day state threats.  Last year, I announced a robust package of measures to tackle state threats from Iran. This included placing Iran on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). I also announced new training for all frontline police officers on state threats; further sanctions against Iranian-linked criminal groups; an independent review of the parts of our counter-terrorism framework which could be applied to state threats; continued support to the Jewish community; and strengthened enforcement of our immigration measures to protect the UK from Iranian interference.

Finally, the National Protective Security Authority and Counter Terrorism Policing will continue to provide protective security advice and support to individuals and organisations threatened by the Iranian regime and its criminal proxies, including Persian language media organisations.

Anyone who thinks they might be a victim should report incidents or suspicious activity to the Police via 101, a local police station, or 999 in emergencies.

Written Question
Oppression: Iran
Monday 16th March 2026

Asked by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to introduce an expedited visa and scholarship scheme for at‑risk Iranian activists, journalists and human‑rights defenders seeking sanctuary and study in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office is monitoring the situation in Iran and the impacts it will have.

The UK has not introduced a bespoke visa route in response to the conflict. Existing visa routes remain available and Iranian nationals who wish to come to the UK can apply to do so via these routes.

Any application for a UK visa will be assessed against the requirements of the Immigration Rules.  We advise people to consider the most appropriate visa route for their own circumstances.

Early Day Motion
Heating oil prices (50 Signatures)
11 Mar 2026
Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)
That this House notes with concern the sudden and severe rise in heating oil prices as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with prices almost trebling in a week; recognises that around a third of rural households rely on oil-fired heating and already face higher levels …
Early Day Motion
Outdoor learning (27 Signatures)
11 Mar 2026
Tabled by: Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat - Westmorland and Lonsdale)
That this House celebrates the place of the great outdoors in a child's education; recognises the contributions of the outdoor learning sector leaders highlighting equity of access, links to mental health, and youth-led adventure initiatives; welcomes continued collaboration across education, health and community organisations; and calls for Parliament's sustained attention …
Division Vote (Commons)
10 Mar 2026 - Courts and Tribunals Bill - View Vote Context
Tim Farron (LD) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 62 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 304 Noes - 203
Division Vote (Commons)
10 Mar 2026 - Courts and Tribunals Bill - View Vote Context
Tim Farron (LD) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 62 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 203 Noes - 311
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 03 Mar 2026
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity

"It is an honour to serve under your guidance this afternoon, Sir Roger. I pay tribute to the hon. Member for North East Hertfordshire (Chris Hinchliff), who made a fantastic speech.

Some 70% of our land mass in this country is agricultural land. We are achieving nothing for biodiversity if …..."
Tim Farron - View Speech

View all Tim Farron (LD - Westmorland and Lonsdale) contributions to the debate on: Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 02 Mar 2026
Oral Answers to Questions

"On the subject of the provision of speech and language therapy for students with special educational needs, Westmorland and Furness council, in my area, was not one of the councils in financial difficulty—until last month, when the Government decided, for the crime of it being the most rural district in …..."
Tim Farron - View Speech

View all Tim Farron (LD - Westmorland and Lonsdale) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 02 Mar 2026
Middle East

"A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the west bank and Israel, where these actions were being anticipated, largely with some dread. The great sense I got from talking to both groups of people was of deep national trauma, caused in no small part by the …..."
Tim Farron - View Speech

View all Tim Farron (LD - Westmorland and Lonsdale) contributions to the debate on: Middle East
Division Vote (Commons)
2 Mar 2026 - Representation of the People Bill - View Vote Context
Tim Farron (LD) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 57 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 0 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 105 Noes - 410