Conference in the UK Parliament in support of the provisional government of the National Council of Resistance of Iran

On Thursday, March 26 (6 Farvardin), members of different parties in the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, together with members of the Iranian–British community and representatives of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), gathered in the UK Parliament to celebrate the Iranian New Year and express their support for the NCRI’s provisional government.

This Nowruz event was held in solidarity with the people of Iran, who are caught between government repression and شبه-war conditions. Participants praised the courage and determination of the Iranian people in pursuing democratic change and honored those who lost their lives in recent uprisings for freedom.

Speakers expressed hope that this year, with the Iranian people overcoming the ruling system and establishing a democratic republic, a new beginning will emerge in Iran—symbolized by the arrival of spring.

The speakers, including members of the Iranian–British community, welcomed the “provisional government” aimed at transferring sovereignty to the people of Iran, based on the ten-point plan of Maryam Rajavi, announced by the NCRI last month. They described it as a decisive step at a critical moment in Iran’s history.

In a message from Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, delivered by MP Bob Blackman, it was stated:“On the eve of the Iranian New Year, I sincerely hope that this year will bring peace and freedom to Iran. Today, war, destruction, and immense suffering have burdened our people… Despite these hardships, our people have celebrated Nowruz because they remain steadfast in their determination to overcome religious dictatorship.”

“The people of Iran accept neither the continuation of the current dictatorship nor a return to the previous authoritarian rule.”

“The credible path to freedom, contrary to these two options, lies in a popular uprising and organized resistance—at the heart of which are resistance units and the Army of Freedom.”

Bob Blackman, chair of the UK Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom, said:“The provisional government introduced by the NCRI responds to the democratic demands of the Iranian people, and its success depends on public support, unlike proposals from remnants of the Shah or clerical rule.”

“We call on the UK government to recognize this provisional government, close the regime’s embassies and offices in Britain, and expel agents and operatives of the regime’s intelligence services and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).”

Liam Fox, former minister, described Iran as “a criminal state” and said:“I have a message for politicians in Westminster: none of you has the right to determine Iran’s future; only the Iranian people have that right.”

Jim Shannon, MP, emphasized that Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan guarantees principles fully aligned with a modern constitution and democratic governance. He added:“This plan stands in clear contrast to those associated with the former monarchy, as their proposals raise serious concerns about concentration of power under the guise of democracy.”

Lord McCabe stated at the conference:“The people of Iran are in extremely difficult conditions. The IRGC must be designated as a terrorist organization and its assets frozen. Its financial resources must be cut off. Iran’s future must be determined through free and fair elections under international supervision.”

Lord Dholakia said:“The regime fears its own survival. Stand alongside a cause that enjoys broad support among MPs and parliamentarians. Women are admirable. Britain must designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.”

Lord Singh said:“The people of Iran reject both clerical oppression and a return to the Shah’s rule. Their message is simple and powerful: no to any form of dictatorship; yes to a democratic future.”

Lord Bruce stated:“The solution is not negotiation with individuals within the regime. Britain must designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization; democracy worldwide depends on this decision.”

Other speakers included: Baroness Davis, Lord Hacking, Lord Hamilton, Baroness Kennedy, Robert Ward (Croydon Council member), Matthew Goodwin (council member), Leila Jazayeri (President of the Iranian Women’s Association in the UK), Azadeh Zabihi (Co-chair of the Iranian Lawyers Committee), Roza Zarei (representative of the Iranian Professionals Association in the UK), and Neda Zabihi (representative of the Iranian Youth Association in the UK).

Among attendees were Alex Sobel, MP, and Dr. Leila Hannenbek.

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