Opposing the appeasement of Iran

On Monday there will be an important debate on Iran. John Baron MP has tabled a Motion opposing - under almost any circumstances - military action against Iran.

If passed, this would mean that the UK or Nato could not take action even if Britain was attacked by the Iranian Regime.

As I have written before on my Blog, Iran is the new Soviet Union of the Middle East. It represses its citizens at home and has expansionist aims abroad. The regime funds and supports terrorist movements around the globe and has been active in undermining stability in Afghanistan and Iraq - by supporting the insurgents. Iran's Leaders have also often declared their willingness to destroy the State of Israel. A nuclear Iran would pose a huge threat to not just the Middle East - but across the world.

With a number of other MPs, I have tabled an alternative to John Baron's Motion. As you can see, the amended Motion is signed by all-parties, including the former Tory and Labour Defence Secretaries.

You can see the Motion and Amendment below and HERE.

Main Business

1 BACKBENCH BUSINESS (unallotted day) [Until 10.00 pm]
IRAN
Mr John Baron
That this House believes that the use of force against Iran would be wholly counter-productive and would serve only to encourage any development of nuclear weapons; and calls upon the Government to rule out the use of force against Iran and reduce tensions by redoubling diplomatic efforts.

As an Amendment to Mr John Baron's proposed Motion (Iran):
Sir Malcolm Rifkind
Sir Menzies Campbell
Mr Bob Ainsworth
Richard Ottaway
Rory Stewart
Robert Halfon

Other MPs have since signed the Amendment:
Mr Stephen Dorrell
Malcolm Bruce
Dr Thérèse Coffey-
Mr Dave Watts
Albert Owen
Alun Michael
Andrew Miller
Jim Sheridan
Steve Rotheram
Mr Jim Cunningham
Lindsay Roy
Sir Bob Russell
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Bob Stewart
Mr Bernard Jenkin
Margaret Beckett

Line 1, leave out from 'House' to end and add 'supports the Government's efforts to reach a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through a combination of pressure in the form of robust sanctions, and engagement led by the E3+3 comprising the UK, US, France, Germany, China and Russia; and recognises the value of making clear to Iran that all options for addressing the issue remain on the table.'.