Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 5 February 2026

Debate

Contribution

My Lords, we must remark with great humility on the sacrifice that so many of those within Iran have made for the simple cause of seeking to have a Government that they wish to have. The Minister may recall that, on 15 January, I asked for clarification on the BBC World Service’s Persian radio service. I was delighted to receive from the BBC yesterday the news that an emergency lifeline BBC Persian radio service will be carried on, which is very good news indeed. Will the Minister restate the support for journalists in particular who are being persecuted by the regime? Secondly, I welcome the new sanctions that were announced this week, but there is currently a loophole, as the sanctions are on individuals. If the IRGC is proscribed then those who support the organisation, providing financial backing and external support, will be removed; without the proscription, there is that loophole. Will the Minister state that this is being actively looked at with urgency?

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