Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the extension of the deadline for talks with Iran on its nuclear programme, said:

“Whilst it was not possible to reach agreement by the November deadline, this extension could allow for a further opportunity for progress to be made towards the vital comprehensive deal on Iran’s nuclear programme which must remain the priority. There can be no doubt that a nuclear armed Iran poses a threat not only to its neighbours in the Middle East, but also to the rest of the World.

“Progress has already been made since the interim agreement in 2013, but the IAEA continue to raise concerns about Iran’s willingness to engage in the necessary confidence building measures. So the next sixth months will require careful and determined diplomacy by the UK and other P5+1 countries to secure a wider deal with Iran.”