The Hounslow Conservative Group stands in solidarity with the people of Iran who are courageously standing up to repression and demanding basic freedoms in the face of extreme personal risk.
We are deeply concerned by reports of violence, deaths and mass arrests by Iranian authorities against peaceful protesters. Many of these protesters, including women and young people, are simply asking for dignity, free expression, and equal rights under the law.
This issue is close to home for our borough. Hounslow has a long-standing Iranian community supported by groups such as the Iranian Association, which is based in Hammersmith and has been active locally for decades and regularly holds community events at Chiswick Town Hall. Since 1985, the Association has helped with integration, education, health, and well-being for Iranians and others. It remains a key connection for many residents, especially those with family in Iran.
Here in Chiswick, members of the Iranian community also gather regularly for worship and support at the Iranian Christian Fellowship Church on Sutton Court Road. For many, events in Iran are deeply personal, affecting family members, friends, and loved ones, and the fear and anxiety felt within our community are very real.
We pay particular tribute to the bravery of Iranian women, who have been at the forefront of these protests, challenging laws and practices that deny them autonomy and fundamental human rights. Their courage has inspired people around the world and deserves clear and unambiguous support.
The Iranian regime denies its own people basic liberties while exporting instability beyond its borders. Those risking everything for freedom are a beacon of hope, and they should know they are not alone.
The Hounslow Conservative Group affirms its support for the Iranian people, freedom of religion and belief, women's rights, and all those who peacefully seek justice. We stand with the Iranian community across the borough at this difficult time.