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Iran blocks British Embassy website

Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the Iranian authorities blocking of the British Embassy website confirms to the Iranian people that their Government is determined to conceal from them the international community's concerns.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today the Foreign Secretary said:

“Britain’s website in Iran has now been added to the list of thousands of other internet sites deliberately censored by the Iranian authorities.

This action is counter-productive and ill-judged. It will confirm to the Iranian people that their government is determined to block their access to information, and to conceal from them the international community’s legitimate concerns about Iran’s policies and behaviour. It will also make it harder for Iranian nationals to access information about visiting the UK. And it is further proof to the rest of the world the Iranian government’s dire record on freedom of speech and human rights in general.

This action will not deter Britain from continuing to engage with the Iranian people, including through the internet.”

Published 22 December 2011