As British citizens and supporters of democracy, we believe Members of Parliament should be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability, particularly when advocating on behalf of foreign political organisations.

On 30 June 2026, MP Bob Blackman wrote to the Dutch Parliament urging it to rescind an invitation extended to Reza Pahlavi, the most internationally recognised opposition figure for a future free democratic Iran. His letter goes far beyond expressing a political opinion. It contains serious allegations about Mr Pahlavi while dismissing the support he has received from many Iranians inside Iran and across the global diaspora. At the same time, Mr Blackman continues to publicly endorse the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), an organisation whose history and legitimacy remain deeply engraved in Iranians live memory. Not to mention that the organisation was a proscribed terrorist group and sanctioned due to their violent activities. 

For decades, the MEK has invested significant resources in lobbying Western politicians. Reports have documented speaking fees and extensive advocacy networks associated with the organisation. Given this well-known history, it is reasonable for the public to ask whether any financial or other benefits may have influenced political advocacy carried out on its behalf.

This petition does not presume wrongdoing. Rather, it calls for transparency. Where legitimate questions arise about a parliamentarian’s relationship with an organisation that has invested heavily in political lobbying, those questions should be answered through an independent and impartial investigation.

We therefore call on the appropriate parliamentary authorities to investigate whether Bob Blackman has received any undeclared financial or non-financial benefits connected to his advocacy for the MEK, including any payments, gifts, hospitality, or transfers through alternative means such as cryptocurrency, if any such transfers exist. Any findings should be made public so that confidence in Parliament’s standards of integrity can be maintained.

The Iranian people deserve to have their voices heard without interference from foreign politicians seeking to determine who should or should not represent them. Equally, the British public deserves confidence that Members of Parliament act solely in the public interest and are fully transparent about any relationships that may influence their political advocacy.

Transparency protects honest politicians. If there is nothing to hide, there should be nothing to fear from an independent investigation.