§ 12. Mr. Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow, West)What recent discussions he has had with the Government of Iran concerning the treatment of Jews, Christians and Bahais. [120881]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Peter Hain)We and our European Union partners have regularly raised with the Iranian authorities our concerns over a number of human rights issues, including the treatment of religious minorities in Iran.
§ Mr. ThomasI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that the 13 Jews on trial in Iran on what appear to be trumped-up charges of espionage have not been allowed to appoint their own legal counsel, and that their state-appointed lawyers have complained of obstruction? My hon. Friend highlighted Iran's recent record of discriminating against Christians, Bahais and Jews. Will he assure the House that he will continue to press the Iranian authorities to show proper respect and tolerance to all religious groupings in that country?
§ Mr. HainYes, we will. I congratulate my hon. Friend on his energetic work on this matter—I know that he reflects the views of many of his constituents, including members of the Jewish community who are, quite rightly, worried about the way in which the trial is proceeding, as we are. That is why my right hon. Friend and I have consistently raised the matter with Iranian Ministers and will continue to do so. Although we engage with the reforming Government of President Khatami and welcome his electoral success, which has boosted the position of the reformers, we are also aware that there is a battle with the reactionaries, who are bringing their odious influence to bear on this trial.
§ Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South)I appreciate the point that the Minister has just made. Will he emphasise to the Iranian Government that they cannot take their place in international affairs when they sponsor terrorism for Islamists elsewhere while persecuting their own citizens?
§ Mr. HainIt is precisely because of the concerns expressed by the hon. Gentleman, which we share, that in our discussions with the Iranian Government—and we have established a good relationship for critical engagement and dialogue—we speak not just about business opportunities but about human rights violations.
§ Mrs. Maria Fyfe (Glasgow, Maryhill)Does my hon. Friend agree that for a woman in Iran, it is not required to be a Christian, Jew or Bahai to be persecuted? Will he discuss this aspect of human rights when he next has contact with the President?
§ Mr. HainI well understand the point raised by my hon. Friend. I would say that the treatment of women in Iran is by no means the worst across the world, but we continue to raise the issue.
§ Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)It is bad enough.
§ Mr. HainIt is bad enough, as my hon. Friend says, and I freely acknowledge that. It is precisely because we have established a relationship of critical engagement and dialogue that we are able to make these points, and have them heard. Indeed, human rights in Iran have improved over the past few years despite these setbacks, and we should acknowledge that. It is terribly important that the reform process under President Khatami is strengthened and continued and that Britain supports that reform process, because Iran is a critical country for the stability of the region.
§ Mr. Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale, West)Will the Foreign Secretary consider postponing his scheduled visit to Iran in July, unless and until such time as a fair trial is guaranteed to the 13 members of the Jewish community who have been arrested and are facing trial?
§ Mr. HainMy right hon. Friend's visit has already been postponed once—[Interruption.] Be serious; some of the heckling from the Conservative Benches on this matter is ridiculous.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I do wish that Back Benchers would contain themselves when questions are being answered.