Members of the Green Party are set to consider a motion at their upcoming autumn conference that calls for the removal of economic sanctions on Iran and opposes the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The motion urges the government to pursue “diplomatic normalisation” with Tehran and argues that measures targeting Iranian state institutions, including the IRGC, are counterproductive, hinder diplomatic efforts, and reduce opportunities for mediation and peacebuilding.
The proposed motion, submitted by Ashok Kumar, a political economy lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, does not address the IRGC’s activities within the United Kingdom. British intelligence agencies, including MI5, have disrupted several Iranian-backed plots since 2022, and the government recently invoked new National Security Act powers to ban support for the IRGC on July 13. This ban followed a series of seven attacks linked to the organization in the UK, including an arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in March.
Kumar, who previously attracted attention in 2023 after posting statements on social media regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, defended the motion and stressed the importance of the Green Party basing its stance on principle. He emphasized support for what he described as the Palestinian people’s right to resist occupation within the framework of international law, and criticized aligning party policy with U.S. interests.
The motion has drawn criticism from political opponents. Labour MP David Taylor condemned the Green Party’s consideration of the motion, calling it “absolutely disgraceful.” He urged party leader Zack Polanski to reject both the motion and its proposer, highlighting concerns about the threat posed by Iran.
The Green Party stated that although members have begun submitting motions for the autumn conference, not all will be selected for debate, as prioritization is determined through a member ballot. The party made clear that the conference is still months away and no final decisions have been made regarding the inclusion of this or other motions.