Thank you for contacting me about the tragic death of Mahsa Amini and protests in Iran.

I am deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran. Mahsa Amini’s death on 16 September following her arrest by Iran’s ‘morality police’ is disgraceful and unacceptable. There must be a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mahsa’s death and anybody found responsible must be held to account.

I supported fresh sanctions after Mahsa’s death and I am pleased that the Government has now sanctioned Iran’s morality police, its chief and the head of its Tehran division, and other political and security officials in Iran. This means that these individuals cannot travel to the UK and their assets will be frozen.

Mahsa’s death serves as a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran. I stand in solidarity with those standing up to an oppressive regime that aims to restrict the liberty and vitality of its people and protesting for an end to state violence from the morality police. The people of Iran have a right to protest, and it is horrific that many have faced violence and been killed.

I believe the Government must do more to support the flourishing of civil society in Iran. I am particularly concerned by the BBC’s recent announcement that BBC Persian Radio is to be shut down. BBC Persian Radio is accessed by millions of Iranians despite being illegal.

The Government should ensure that it is building links with progressive forces in Iran and relationships with Iranian civil society. There is a sense that change may be coming to Iran and the UK must be on the right side of history.

My thoughts are with the friends and family of Mahsa Amini and all those who have been killed or injured in the protests. I will continue to follow developments and maintain my support for the human rights of all Iranian citizens.