UK Parliament / Open data

Iraq: Coalition Against ISIL

Proceeding contribution from Liam Fox (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Friday, 26 September 2014. It occurred during Debate on Iraq: Coalition Against ISIL.

I agree. Not only are those countries funders, but ideologically they give succour and support to groups, such as ISIL, that have been causing trouble in the region. Those countries cannot have it both ways.

On military action, I absolutely welcome the decision to use British air power. It has been obvious for some time that the forces on the ground were not able to achieve a military solution because they did not have sufficient air power. However, in applying British air power, we must understand that this is not just about dealing with the command and control, or even supply lines, of ISIL. Close air support will be required if there is to be a successful counter-offensive by any ground forces in the conflict. We need to understand the risks that that will pose to our forces. However, it is a mistake not to include Syria in today’s motion. ISIL operates from Syria. It attacks individuals, communities and the Iraqi state itself from Syria. There is a clear legal case for attacking ISIL bases in Syria. I am afraid that sooner or later we are going to have to do it. It would be far better if we said so explicitly today.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
585 c1288 
Session
2014-15
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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