Stephen Timms MP (East Ham) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian government about the persecution of Christians, Baha’is, and other religious minorities in that country?

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities.

The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran – has been particularly discriminated against.

The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We will continue to use our bilateral relationship to urge Iran to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.

Stephen Timms MP (East Ham) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Iranian government about the case of the imprisoned Christian pastor, Farshid Fathi.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith.

Stephen Timms MP (East Ham) (Lab) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian authorities on the imprisonment of Maryam Naghash Zargaran.

Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood MP (Bournemouth East) (Con): We are aware of the imprisonment in Iran of Maryam Naghash Zargaran. We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian Government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and to end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith.