PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Press for international action to restore internet access in Iran

We ask the UK Government to work with international partners to oppose internet shutdowns in Iran and support the restoration of full internet access, so people can communicate safely and human rights abuses can be reported.

Last fetched 19 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000

Petition progress2 events · Jan – Feb 2026

20 FEB 2026
Petition rejected
already-happening
On 13 January 2026, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper MP, stated to the House of Commons that the UK Government was working with other countries to restore internet access in Iran: "I have seen the reports that suggest that 2,000 people might have been killed. There might have been more. My fear is that the number will prove to be significantly higher, because we are currently getting so little information as a result of the internet blackout that the regime has instigated as it tries to hide what it has done and the consequences. That is why we are talking to other countries about what can be done swiftly to try to restore some sort of internet access or phone communication to people across Iran." You can read more about this here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-01-13/debates/94D92574-B962-41F2-BD4C-B290EC113BC7/Iran
11 JAN 2026
Petition created

Background

A free and open internet allows dialogue, transparency and understanding between people and nations. Supporting internet access in Iran would help reduce violence, protect civilians and rebuild trust. A UK stance in favour of communication and human rights could support a future where Iran and the UK engage peacefully as partners, based on shared respect for freedom and international norms.