US-Iran agreement must be first step to a truly just and lasting peace say Greens

Commenting on the agreed framework deal to end the Iran war, which mediator Pakistan says will be signed on Friday in Switzerland, Dr Ellie Chowns MP, leader of the Green parliamentary group, said:

“The peace deal between the US and Iran will provide welcome relief for civilians across the region, too many of whom have borne the brunt of escalating violence and instability in order to further an illegal war.

“The urgent task must now be to ensure this agreement is the first step to a truly just and lasting peace. The UK must use every available lever to support these efforts, including in the pursuit of nuclear de-escalation and in holding those in the Iranian regime responsible for human rights abuses and persecution of the Iranian people to account. The UK must also insist on full respect of the peace deal by Israel in its operations – the people of Lebanon must not be left to suffer further attacks and occupation.

“Furthermore, the UK must acknowledge that this war should never have been started in the first place. It is clear that the United States and Israel entered into conflict illegally, with no credible long-term plan, and with no real regard for the stability of the wider region or the catastrophic consequences for ordinary people. This is utterly unacceptable. The UK Government must finally stand up for international law on the global stage and make clear to Trump and Netanyahu that Britain will not permit any country, ‘ally’ or adversary, to breach it with impunity. The Prime Minister must stand firm on these points as he represents the UK at the G7 summit.

“At home in Westminster, the UK Government must learn from the harsh lessons of this war and urgently invest in our nation’s energy security. While the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may ease the strain on British households facing surging energy costs right now, it will do nothing to safeguard against future price shocks caused by our continued dependence on oil and gas. It is only through accelerating investment in renewable energy that we will secure the cheap, clean, homegrown energy the UK needs, strengthening our national security and bringing down bills for good.”