Cross-party MPs and Peers joined members of the Anglo-Iranian Community and representatives of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to mark the Persian New Year, Nowruz, at the UK Parliament.

The Nowruz event was held in solidarity with the Iranian people who are caught between the state repression and wartime condition. Participants celebrated the Iranian people’s courage and determination to bring about democratic change and commemorated those who gave their lives for freedom during the recent uprisings.

They expressed hope that this year, Iran would see a new beginning with the Iranian people overcoming the regime to establish a democratic republic, symbolised by the arrival of Spring.

Many speakers, including those from the Anglo-Iranian Community, welcomed the provisional government to transfer sovereignty to the Iranian people based on Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan announced by the NCRI last month. They described it as a decisive step at this crucial moment in Iran’s history.

In her message to the event, delivered by Bob Blackman CBE MP, Maryam Rajavi, NCRI President-elect, said:

“At the dawn of the Iranian New Year, I sincerely hope that this year will bring peace and freedom to Iran.

“Today, in Iran, the war has brought destruction and great suffering to our people … Despite these hardships, our people have marked Nowruz this year because they remain resolute in their determination to overcome religious despotism.

“The people of Iran no longer accept the continuation of the present dictatorship, nor do they seek a return to the authoritarian rule that preceded it.

“The credible path towards freedom lies instead in popular uprising and organised resistance, at the core of which are the Resistance Units and the Army of Freedom.”

Co-chair of the British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF), Bob Blackman CBE, said:

“The Provisional Government announced by the NCRI delivers on the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations and relies on the people for its success, contrary to what is proposed by the remnants of the Shah or the mullahs.

“We urge the UK Government to recognise this provisional government. Close the regime’s embassies and missions in the UK and expel agents and operatives of the regime’s intelligence services and IRGC.”

Rt Hon. Dr Liam Fox characterised Iran as a criminal state and said:

“I have a message to the politicians in Westminster, none of you have the right to determine Iran’s future, only the Iranian people have that right.”

Jim Shannon MP stressed that Madam Rajavi’s ten-point plan secures principles fully aligned with a modern constitution and democratic governance and said:

“This stands in clear contrast to those associated with the former monarchy, whose plans for the country’s future raise serious concerns about concentrated power presented under the guise of democracy.”

Lord McCabe said:

“This is desperate circumstances for the Iranian people. The IRGC must be proscribed. Their assets must be frozen and it must be stripped of its funds. Iran’s future must be decided in free and fair elections under international observers.”

Rt Hon. Lord Dholakia OBE said:

“Regime fears for its survival. Stand by the cause which has strong support from MPs and Parliamentarians. Women deserves credit. The UK must proscribe IRGC.”

Lord Singh of Wimbledon CBE said:

“The Iranian people reject the oppression of the mullahs, and they reject any return to the rule of the Shah. Their message is simple and powerful: no to tyranny in all its forms, yes to a democratic future.”

Rt Hon. Lord Bruce of Bennachie said:

“The solution is not to talk or negotiate with someone inside the regime. The UK must proscribe IRGC, democracy around the world depends on it.”

Other speakers included: Baroness Davies of Devonport MBE; Rt Hon. Lord Hacking; Rt Hon. Lord Hamilton of Epsom; Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws KC; Robert Ward, councillor from Croydon; Councillor Matthew Goodwin; Laila Jazayeri, president of the association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK; Azadeh Zabeti, co-president of the Committee of the Anglo-Iranian Lawyers; Rosa Zarei, representative of the association of Iranian professionals in the UK; and Neda Zabeti, representative of the Anglo-Iranian Youth Association.

Others who attended but did not speak included: Alex Sobel MP; Dr Leila Hannbeck; Rt Hon. Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE; and Tracy Edwards MBE.

British Committee for Iran Freedom

26 March 2026