London Assembly supportive of a new chapter for Iran

The London Assembly has today welcomed the removal of Ayatollah Khamenei from power in Iran, describing it as a pivotal moment for the people of Iran after months of devastating bloodshed. It believes Iranian citizens now have their strongest opportunity to break free from decades of repression.

In a motion agreed today the Assembly pointed out its proud record of standing in solidarity with Iranian protestors. It also hopes that recent events mark the start of a new chapter for Iran.

Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“The London Assembly has always stood with the Iranian people in the face of brutality meted out against them by their oppressive Government”. 

“We welcome that Iran is no longer under the rule of Ayatollah Khamenei and hope that the people of Iran will be empowered to fully grasp the opportunities for their nation which lie ahead.“

“Iran is a beautiful country where hope can now reign as a better future beckons without repressive violence and state abuse.” 

“This is the hope of the London Assembly and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Iranians both here and around the World as we move forward"

The full text of the motion is:

“This Assembly notes that since anti-Government protests began in late December 2025 it is estimated that upwards of 36,500 civilian protestors may have been killed by the Iranian authorities.  

This Assembly strongly welcomes that Iran is no longer under the rule of Ayatollah Khamenei. Under Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime Iran has funded international terrorism, attacked British nationals, brutally repressed its own citizens calling for freedom, and has tried to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian citizens now have their strongest chance in decades to escape from the yoke of the Ayatollah’s brutal regime.  

This Assembly has a proud history of backing Iranian protestors. On 9 February 2023, this Assembly unanimously passed a motion noting that “This Assembly is deeply concerned about the Iranian regime’s violent treatment of women and men who are protesting against the violation of their basic human rights, following the killing of 22 year old Mahsa (Zhina) Amini on 16 September 2022.”  

The motion, which was proposed by Assembly Member Zack Polanski and seconded by Assembly Member Sem Moema, noted that “Iran’s security forces have since killed hundreds of citizens, including at least 44 children. Amnesty International found that most of these children were killed due to security forces unlawfully firing live ammunition at their head, heart or other vital organs. More than 18,000 demonstrators have also been arrested since mid-September.”  

The motion also noted that “This Assembly recognises the distress that must be felt by our friends and neighbours in London’s Iranian communities, including the approximate 45,000 Londoners who were born in Iran, as a result of these actions.”  

This Assembly warmly welcomes the celebrations amongst London’s Iranian communities and strongly hopes that recent events mark the start of a new chapter for Iran.”  

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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