Middle East: Security

Mr. Corbyn criticised the Prime Minister for not addressing Parliament on the assassination of General Soleimani, questioning whether it was legal under international law and expressing concerns over British troops' safety. He asked if the Government would respect Iraqi sovereignty if Iraq’s elected government requests all foreign forces to leave, including British forces. Mr. Corbyn also questioned what the Government is doing for dual nationals detained in Iran and emphasised the need for a diplomatic plan to prevent further escalation into war.

Inquires about the current status of offensive operations against Daesh, and seeks updates on humanitarian access in Syria.

Questions the legality of the US strike, requests details on UK's legal analysis, and emphasises the importance of upholding international law despite disagreements with the US. Asks about potential withdrawal from Iraq due to training suspension.

Discusses the need for a post-Brexit UK defence review, suggesting it as an opportunity to show commitment to global security amid growing US scepticism about European contributions.

Raises concerns regarding the potential impact on British prisoners in Iran, specifically Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, questioning whether their situation will be prioritised during escalating tensions between US and Iran.

The Government will do everything within international law to get British dual nationals released from Iranian prisons. They also aim to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East by ensuring Iran ceases destabilising activities and adhering to the JCPOA, despite recent breaches.

Soleimani's actions have posed a significant threat to our allies and British citizens. The Government must ensure that Soleimani and his associates are no longer able to escalate such dangerous activities.

The JCPOA's viability is in question following Iran's recent announcements. The Government needs to clarify its stance on the agreement and outline steps it will take to either resurrect or replace it.

Israel faces a real risk of attack from Iran due to Soleimani's alliances. The Government should support Israel in its right to self-defence while ensuring global peace.

The lack of consultation with Iraq before the assassination raises questions about sovereignty and international law. The UK should seek assurances from allies that they will not extend their self-defence measures to other sovereign territories.

The Government must work with regional allies like Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman to assure Iran of a diplomatic path rather than a war-like escalation. This would help prevent further loss of life in the Middle East.

While supporting the US's right to self-defence, criticism is warranted for international pre-emptive assassination. The Government's support of Trump may enhance Iran's influence in Iraq, a country with significant British military involvement.

The JCPOA has been effectively dead since the US withdrawal; a more comprehensive agreement is needed to maintain regional stability. Soleimani's activities have destabilised multiple regions, including Yemen and Syria.

Asked the Secretary of State about discussions with civil airline or shipping companies to evacuate British nationals if tensions worsen.

Responded to multiple questions, confirming plans for evacuation and protection of British personnel. Emphasised ongoing military and diplomatic efforts against ISIL and the need to work closely with allies in Europe and the US. Conveyed Britain's position on de-escalation and maintaining the JCPOA.

Asked about Britain's cooperation with European and American allies to defeat ISIL and de-escalate tensions, highlighting the importance of international rules-based systems.

Pressed the Secretary of State on reports that the US denied a visa to the Iranian Foreign Minister for UN meetings, questioning whether this decision aids de-escalation efforts.

Asked about President Trump's policy towards withdrawing from or increasing engagement in the Middle East and its impact on UK's long-term support for Iraq.

Inquired about actions being taken to ensure NATO speaks with one voice, given differences between France/Germany and the US regarding self-defence measures.

Thanked the diplomatic service and armed forces for their efforts over recent days and questioned how to protect British armed forces from collateral damage in reprisal attacks.

Asked about meetings with Home Secretary regarding legal routes for Syrian refugees, particularly those displaced by the Assad regime’s actions in Idlib.

Welcomed the Defence Secretary's statement and proposed a more assertive approach to tackling proxy interference and weapons proliferation as well as offering economic rehabilitation to Iran conditionally.

Asked whether the Government would play a serious role in the nuclear non-proliferation treaty review conference in May, emphasising its importance for rebuilding trust and demonstrating commitment to multilateral disarmament.

Asked about actions being taken to contain the Hezbollah threat not just to Israel but to the wider region, given Iran's support for terrorism through finance and military equipment.

Mr Doughty questioned the Secretary of State about the security risks posed by abandoned prisons in northern Syria housing Daesh fighters. He asked for an assessment of the situation.

Mr Grey highlighted the importance of safeguarding British troops and continuing to contain Daesh, emphasising that the whole future of UK Middle East policy depends on this.

Mr Paisley questioned whether there would still be a review into proscribing the Muslim Brotherhood despite its Shi'a nature. He raised concerns about political organisations like Republican Sinn Féin expressing sympathy for Soleimani's passing.

Mr Chishti inquired what Iran's endgame is and how de-escalation could be achieved, questioning the Secretary of State on the intentions behind Iranian actions and their goals for the region.

Ms Glindon called for stronger assurances to Kurdistan about its security and continuing UK efforts, suggesting an official visit by Kurdish leadership as a positive step towards de-escalation.

Mr Blunt welcomed the Secretary of State's statement and urged him to work with coalition allies to sustain commitments to Iraq’s people, expressing concern over Iranian-backed militia actions.

Ms Monaghan expressed concerns about escalating tensions rather than de-escalating them. She asked the Secretary of State to clearly state that the method of taking out enemies is not supported and that winning hearts and minds is more effective in the long term.

Mr Baron noted that few countries' hands are completely clean in the region, highlighting the need for a co-ordinated peace process. He suggested spending more on defence and diplomacy to better defend interests and hold sway with allies like the US.

Mr Twigg questioned what response would be taken if Iran were to retaliate, resulting in deaths of British service personnel or civilians. He sought clarity on the proportionate nature of such a response.

Mr Fabricant provided context regarding US Department of Defence estimates of US servicemen killed by Iranian proxies since October. He asked for an estimate of British casualties and whether actions defending Iran give comfort to Tehran.

Mr Davey thanked the Secretary of State for his statement on de-escalation but pressed him to rule out any British involvement in attacks on Iranian sites, emphasising the damage caused by previous wars.

Concerned about rising oil prices impacting household budgets, questions the Defence Secretary on NATO’s role in deterring potential tanker wars.

Acknowledges Alec Shelbrooke's suggestion and agrees to discuss it with NATO allies. Notes historical instances of Iranian aggression towards tankers and emphasises current international coalitions like anti-piracy efforts and the International Maritime Security Construct.

Critiques the British Government’s involvement in territories illegally occupied by them, such as Diego Garcia, suggesting that UK actions are contributing to escalation rather than de-escalation of tensions with Iran.

Defends the deployment of US troops and UK’s small military team as necessary for force protection without indicating any intention beyond defensive measures. Reiterates focus on force protection in Iraq.

Highlights Iran's recent disregard of JCPOA tenets, refusal to address IAEA questions, and its impact on Syria’s conflict, questioning if the agreement is still viable.

Acknowledges issues with JCPOA but maintains it remains a potential solution despite Iran's breaches. Urges engagement for diplomatic resolution.

Welcomes defence secretary’s de-escalation efforts regarding Iran but questions the government's preparedness to handle US actions, such as denying a visa to Iranian Foreign Minister.

Urges diplomatic dialogue with US counterparts and supports allowing the Iranian Foreign Minister to attend UN meetings despite recent visa denial.

Advocates for urgency in appointing a UK ambassador to Washington, noting its long-standing vacancy amidst current tensions with Iran.

Commits to addressing the issue of vacant diplomatic positions, including the US embassy position, during upcoming discussions.

Inquires about acceptable responses from UK towards potential assassination threats posed by Iranian officials or military figures.

Emphasises adherence to international law in dealing with security threats, highlighting options ranging from arrest and disruption to lethal strikes as per parliamentary approval.

Questions the confidence that moderate voices within Iran can be supported amid current tensions and hard-line rhetoric.

Proposes diplomatic engagement to empower moderate Iranian voices by offering a peaceful resolution path, highlighting the importance of clear international behaviour expectations.

Asks for confirmation on whether immediate grounds exist to trigger dispute mechanisms within JCPOA in light of recent Iranian actions.

Indicates the government will evaluate all options based on recent announcements and consultations with bodies like IAEA.

Inquires about additional Royal Navy support in the Gulf to secure British shipping interests amid rising tensions.

Details current naval assets deployed in the Gulf and reiterates commitment to freedom of navigation while avoiding provocation on Iranian coastlines.

Expresses concern over US threats against Iranian cultural sites, questioning how these would impact UK-US relations and potential trade deals.

Asserts that targeting heritage sites is illegal under international law and that the US has clarified its policy not to engage in such actions.

Suggests broadening JCPOA’s scope beyond nuclear issues to include other security concerns, particularly those related to General Soleimani's activities.

Supports the idea of a 'grand deal' covering broader diplomatic and security aspects, akin to historical offers made by Iran in 2006.

Raises concerns for UK citizens and residents imprisoned abroad, particularly highlighting the welfare of a constituent detained in Evin prison, urging ministerial intervention for their betterment or repatriation.

Emphasised the Government's commitment to supporting prisoners in Iranian custody, expressing concern about the treatment of individuals from various nations and urging for efforts to address this issue. He also acknowledged recent policy changes regarding attacks on heritage sites and reiterated support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Asked about the impact of US policies on cultural heritage protection in Iraq, highlighting that protecting and promoting culture is a key way of stabilising countries. He questioned if reversing UN policy was counterproductive.

Expressed concerns about Iran’s involvement with terrorist groups worldwide and its nuclear ambitions, calling for support and help for Israel in the face of threats from Iran. He also sought assurance that the UK stands firmly behind Israel.

Inquired about alternative strategies if efforts to reboot the JCPOA fail, highlighting the importance of preventing Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons and expressing gratitude for ongoing collaborative work with France and Germany.

Called for diplomatic caution in response to escalating tensions, questioning how the Government can prevent further escalation due to impulsive actions from the US Commander-in-Chief.