UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – David Lammy summoned Iran’s envoy amid spying arrests, stressing Iran must answer for its nationals charged under the UK National Security Act.
As reported by The Telegraph, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called in Iran’s ambassador to hold them accountable following spying charges against three Iranian citizens in the UK.
Which three Iranian nationals were arrested and charged with spying offences in the UK?
Three Iranians charged with spying in the UK, Mostafa Speahwa, 39; Farah Javadi Maens, 44; and Shapor Qaleidh Khan Nnori, 55, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Authorities confirmed the trio had been arrested under the National Security Act 2023, following intelligence gathered during a wider counter-terrorism operation.
What did the UK say to Iran after spy charges?
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated,
“Today, upon instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Kingdom was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”
They said,
“His Excellency Seyed Ali Mousavi was summoned in response to three Iranian nationals charged under the National Security Act. The UK Government is clear that protecting national security remains our top priority and Iran must be held accountable for its actions.”
They added,
“The summons follows this weekend’s announcement which stated that three Iranian nationals had been charged with engaging in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service.”
How did Iran respond to the UK’s spy allegations?
In a diplomatic move, Iran summoned the British chargé d’affaires in Tehran on Sunday. They accused the UK of spreading “false claims” related to the espionage charges.
An Iranian foreign ministry official said,
“The responsibility for the inappropriate effects of such actions, which appear to be motivated by political motives to exert pressure on Iran, will lie with the British government.”
Recent counter-terror raids across the UK
Earlier this month, counter-terrorism officers detained five Iranian nationals. The arrests followed raids at multiple sites across Greater Manchester, London, Rochdale, and Swindon.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the arrests were linked to a suspected plot targeting a particular premises.
What did David Lammy say about the UK’s efforts for peace between Pakistan and India?
David Lammy said,
“We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that we get an enduring ceasefire, to ensure that dialogue is happening and to work through with Pakistan and India how we can get to confidence and confidence-building measures between the two sides.”
He stated,
“These are two neighbours with a long history but they are two neighbours that have barely been able to speak to one other over this past period, and we want to ensure that we do not see further escalation and that the ceasefire endures.”
Mr Lammy said,
“I wouldn’t expect India to share its matters of national security with me. What we are here to do is to ensure support to friends to maintain an enduring ceasefire whilst recognising that terrorism has to be dealt with. There are concerns that there are groups here engaged in causing harm. This all began with the horrendous terrorism threat.”