This is a moment of great jeopardy for both the Middle East and the world. While events in Iran and the wider Middle East are fast-moving, I am sure that no-one who believes in democracy, human rights, and freedom of religion can have any sadness about the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, one of the greatest tyrants in history.

However, as the Prime Minister said last night, Iran’s reckless attacks now pose significant risks to British service personnel, to British nationals currently taking shelter, and to our regional allies. I believe that the UK must be free to do everything necessary to defend ourselves and our allies from Iranian attacks.

I also believe that the best outcome for all sides is a negotiated settlement in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon and dismantles their capability to do so.

To reiterate, my view is that the UK’s actions should be primarily defensive. This should include the proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, and action against any other organisations or individuals in the UK with links to the Iranian regime.

Supporting British nationals

I have also been contacted by constituents in the region. Air space over the Middle East has been closed, but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s crisis response team has been working around the clock to support British nationals.

If you or your loved ones are seeking consular support, please register your presence in the region at www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk or by calling the consular advice line on +44 (0)20 7008 5000. The FCDO is significantly stepping up the support available and will continue to do so over the coming days.

As more information becomes available, I will look to share it here and on my social media platforms.