Speaking at a conference in the UK Parliament, MP Sammy Wilson highlighted the Iranian people’s resistance to repression and called on Britain to recognize and support a democratic alternative to Iran’s ruling regime.
British Member of Parliament Sammy Wilson has called for stronger international support for the Iranian people’s struggle for democratic change, arguing that the United Kingdom should reassess its approach to Iran and stand firmly with those resisting the ruling regime.
Speaking at a conference in the UK Parliament focused on human rights, accountability, and democratic change in Iran, Wilson began by expressing his admiration for Iranians who continue to oppose the regime despite facing imprisonment, torture, threats to their livelihoods, and consequences for their families. He also praised the persistence of representatives of the Iranian Resistance in Britain in building political support in Westminster.
Iran’s Crisis Has Consequences Beyond Its Borders
Wilson emphasized that developments in Iran have direct consequences for the United Kingdom and Europe. He pointed to Iran’s geographical position, historical influence, and role in a region of major importance to global energy security and the world economy.
He also linked instability surrounding Iran to economic pressures being felt internationally, including effects on fuel prices and the cost of living. In his assessment, the regime in Tehran is not only a source of repression for the Iranian population but also a destabilizing force affecting the wider region.
Wilson argued that there is a broad recognition of the regime’s destabilizing role while maintaining that the overwhelming majority of Iranians, both inside the country and abroad, seek political change.
He pointed to the persistence of protests and resistance despite government repression, describing the Iranian people as demonstrating courage and determination in challenging the ruling system. At the same time, he highlighted the regime’s economic, social, and political crises, which he said have contributed to repeated waves of protest in recent years.
Repression as the Regime’s Response
According to Wilson, the regime has responded to these crises primarily through increased executions, imprisonment, and repression, while simultaneously contributing to conflict outside Iran.
He argued that the regime’s survival depends heavily on repression and on what he described as a mistaken perception in some Western and international circles that Tehran represents the Iranian people or their interests.
Wilson directly rejected that characterization, stating that the regime does not represent the Iranian people but instead oppresses them. He also questioned why the British government had taken so long to respond to the activities of the regime’s paramilitary forces, while welcoming the eventual action taken against the IRGC.
Support for a Democratic Alternative
A central element of Wilson’s speech was his assessment of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a potential democratic alternative.
He argued that the NCRI and its President-elect, Maryam Rajavi, represent what he described as the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations. He pointed to the NCRI’s stated vision for Iran’s future, its framework for a peaceful political transition, and its network of Resistance Units and activities supporting democratic change.
Wilson said that greater international recognition of the NCRI as a democratic alternative, together with stronger backing for the Iranian people’s demand for freedom, could contribute to accelerating political change.
He also argued that international policy should take greater account of the organized nature and persistence of the Iranian opposition. The years of political activity and efforts to build support in Britain, he said, demonstrate a long-term commitment rather than a temporary political campaign.
A Call for Britain to Lead
Wilson identified repression, executions, and violence as major obstacles to political change in Iran and called for a shift in international policy.
He urged the international community to change its perception of Iran and said that the United Kingdom should lead by example. In particular, he called on the British government to recognize the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations and to support the NCRI as a democratic alternative capable, in his view, of helping Iranians pursue those aspirations.
The MP also warned against repeating what he characterized as the lengthy failure to recognize the threat posed by the IRGC. He argued that the international community should respond to the realities inside Iran rather than waiting for further deterioration.
Wilson concluded by stressing that millions of Iranians are seeking a different future and said that the United Kingdom should stand with them. He added that his party and its representatives in Westminster would continue urging the government to take that position.