Ed Miliband tells Labour conference Iran sanctions must continue as Fairford suspects bailed

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has told the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool that economic sanctions on Iran must continue as part of efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran.

In his conference speech, Miliband said the UK would stand up to prevent a nuclear Iran through economic sanctions, act against Iran's proxies and continue to isolate Tehran so that it reopens the Strait of Hormuz. He linked the strait to the cost of living crisis at home, saying it is essential to tackling prices. He also said events at RAF Fairford the previous day were a reminder of the security threats facing the country.

The RAF Fairford incident involved five men arrested on suspicion of explosives and terror offences near the base, which is used by the US military. Bomb disposal teams examined vehicles and dozens of homes were evacuated. Counter-terror police initially questioned the five. Later reports said the men were released on police bail. Iran condemned what it called unfounded malicious speculation. No motive had been established for any potential plot, and the arrests followed a series of incidents on UK soil thought to be connected to the Iranian regime.

Miliband also met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to the UK readout, Miliband told Araghchi that Britain will not tolerate intimidation, threats or hostile activity on UK soil from groups linked to Iran. He reiterated what officials called the UK's unwavering resolve to combat threats from Iranian-backed groups, particularly after an antisemitic arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green in March. An Iranian-backed group took public responsibility for that attack.

The meeting came against the backdrop of UK concerns about Iranian-linked activity. The IRGC, the ideological military force, has been described as a threat to national security, and there has been political debate about its proscription. The two sides discussed the impact of the Middle East conflict on the UK, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and fuel prices. Miliband raised the case of British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who were arrested in Iran in January last year and have been detained in a Tehran prison for more than 20 months. He said their release was a top priority for the UK government.

The diplomatic contact drew criticism from some commentators, who described the public handshake with Araghchi as shameful and cynical, and questioned whether it was aimed at winning voters. Others said diplomacy can require contact with unpleasant governments, but argued that such meetings need not be public.

The economic impact of the Iran conflict was also visible in fuel prices. The average cost of a litre of diesel passed £1.99 for the first time, an all-time high, with the previous record set after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Iran war has caused severe disruption to the production and transportation of wholesale oil. The boss of Centrica also warned about energy supplies while gas storage levels are low.

At the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview that Iran would act within the framework of international law and the non-proliferation treaty on 60% enriched uranium. He denied that Hezbollah and the Houthis take directions from Iran, saying they act for themselves, while acknowledging contacts and a common framework with groups he described as resisting. He blamed a lack of coordination between the United States and regional countries for difficulties in the region. An exclusive poll found that more than a third of Brits believe a nuclear war is likely within the next three decades, with the vast majority thinking the UK would be involved.

At the Labour conference, Miliband also used his speech to reset the government's position on Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, telling people who had been outraged by the plight of the Palestinian people: 'we hear you. You were right.' The conference continued with Andy Burnham as leader and John Healey as Chancellor promising fiscal discipline, while a £15 million package for trade unions to spend on training received a mini ovation.