The international community has been too slow over Iran

Hardly a day goes by without Iran being in the news, and each day the news seems to get worse. Today the news has been dominated by the murder of the poor music student, who has now become the symbol for this emerging revolution, and the diplomatic tit-for-tat.

International reaction, particularly from Obama and Brown, has been far too slow. The momentum has been building and they are now coming late to the lecturn to issue condemnation.

Both Obama and Brown need to ratchet up the pressure. By responding to the expulsion of our diplomatic staff by doing likewise is welcome. I understand that they have been careful not to play into the hands of Ahmedinijahd, but they could have brought the international community along much quicker.

Unfortunately Obama has failed to provide the leadership he promised over this issue, but both he and Brown will have to get much tougher and bolder from here on in.