Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Office – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 31 March 2009.
Bill Rammell
Minister of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
2:30,
31 March 2009
The UK desires a constructive relationship with Iran, based on mutual respect. However, we have significant concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, its regional activity and internal repression. Unacceptable harassment of staff in Tehran has forced the British Council to suspend its operations, which has obstructed the legitimate activities of our embassy. We have protested to Iran on numerous occasions, and we regret that it has done nothing to address the situation.