BBC PERSIAN

Early day motion 3000, tabled 24 April 2012 by Louise Ellman (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House commends the important work BBC Persian does in providing high quality and impartial Persian language news; notes that staff and families of BBC Persian have experienced problems with visa applications and expired passports since the closure of the UK Embassy in Tehran; is concerned about the harassment and intimidation of BBC Persian staff and their families by the Iranian authorities; condemns the jamming of BBC Persian television by the Iranian authorities; and calls on the Government to do all it can to speed up the visa application process for families of BBC Persian staff and to enable UK staff to acquire valid documentation to travel, and to press the Iranian authorities to cease their harassment of staff members and their families immediately.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, Conservative 3, Liberal Democrat 2, DUP 1.