Iran military situation and Middle East conflict

Liberal Democrats believe Donald Trump's unilateral and illegal military action is counter-productive and will only unleash more bloodshed without delivering freedom for Iranians. We are unequivocally opposed to the Iranian regime - but are strongly of the opinion that only diplomatic & economic levers will be successful in forcing it to abandon its nuclear aspirations and deliver the democratic change that Iranian citizens want. 

I am appalled by the indiscriminate acts of violence by the cowardly religious & political authorities who have barbarically ruled Iran for almost half a century. I utterly condemn the murderous repression used to silence public demonstrations and curtail the freedoms of the Iranian people. I am also concerned about the regime targeting Iranians in this country, as they did two years ago with the stabbing of a dissident journalist in Wimbledon, which is why I raised the issue with the Home Secretary on the floor of the chamber as you can see here. 

However, no matter how repugnant we find the Iranian regime, launching a war with no clear aims or strategy is not the answer.

Britons in the region will be fearful for their safety in the light of the Iranian retaliation now taking place. The Foreign Office needs to facilitate emergency travel for those who want to leave the region urgently. I have been contacted by constituents with family in Iran, and by others concerned about their family members in places like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and we are doing our best to assist. I have also been in touch personally with ministers to ensure safe passage for one privately chartered rescue flight that was having trouble getting clearance to land in the UK. Individuals can keep updated with Government guidance via the FCDO and urge anyone in the region to register with their local consulate.

I do have some concerns on the Government’s communication with British Nationals in the Region. I was at the Prime Minister’s statement last week where he laid out the Government’s position at the time. In my question I said: 

‘I applaud the Prime Minister’s judgment in this matter

And continued by saying:

I am in contact with British nationals trapped in a hotel in Qatar who are seeing missiles passing overhead, with more than  30 explosions just today. They texted me a few minutes ago to say there has been a lack of messaging from their Government. They are desperate for news on evacuation plans, but the consulate auto-reply is currently advising them on how best to enjoy Ramadan. Can the Prime Minister please ensure that our consulates redouble their efforts to give information and reassurance to our nationals across the region?‘

I was pleased by the PM’s assurance he would address my specific concerns and you can see our exchange here. 

I agreed with the Prime Minister’s judgement when he announced he would allow the US to use UK bases at RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia to launch 'defensive' strikes against Iran - targeting the missile depots and launch sites being used to target countries across the Middle East and putting UK personnel & citizens in danger  However I am concerned the UK could be on a slippery slope - and that it's vital the UK is able to monitor and confirm that US strikes from UK bases remain 'defensive'. It is important the Prime Minister does not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East. 

Trump's references to Churchill in criticising our Prime Minister are regrettable and offensive. Churchill was a war hero - whilst Trump is a draft-dodging bully now acting like an international gangster.  The special relationship, insofar as it exists, can never be relied upon while Trump is in the White House. The government needs to build much closer ties with our allies in Europe both on trade and defence, as Liberal Democrats have long been arguing.

The drone strike near RAF Akrotiri is a serious cause for concern. The Cypriot high commissioner in the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, said the country was “disappointed” with British failures to warn people on the island of the impending strike. I know many have commented about the state of the UK armed forces. I feel the current situation may be exposing our military deficiencies and I will be urging the government to reassess its priorities in this area.

The situation is unfolding hourly with no immediate break insight. If you have concerns about individuals in the region then please contact me and we will be able to sign post you to official advice.