Counter-Daesh Update

The Minister of State for Defence emphasised the UK’s commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh, including its role in providing training, mentoring, and professional military education to Iraqi security forces. He mentioned over 50,000 personnel from various Iraqi forces completed training delivered by coalition troop-contributing countries last year, with more than 1,200 missions conducted in 2020 to defeat Daesh.

Thanked the Secretary of State for the statement and highlighted the dedication of armed forces. Emphasised Labour's support for the UN-sanctioned global coalition against Daesh, noting that while Daesh no longer controls territory, it remains a threat with insurgent attacks increasing. Asked about air strikes by the coalition, NATO’s enhanced role in counter-Daesh efforts, the relocation of foreign fighters to other jihadist frontlines, and humanitarian aid for displaced persons in Iraq and Syria.

Acknowledged Labour's support and confirmed that UK strikes have increased due to improved functioning of the Iraqi Government. Explained NATO’s role in training, security improvements, nation building, and assistance for partners who feel their training has been completed. Addressed concerns about US forces leaving Iraq, emphasised the need to address terrorist threats in west Africa and Mali with British support. Discussed repatriation of child refugees from refugee camps surrounding Syria, affirming efforts to bring over 20,000 vulnerable children back.

Asked the Secretary of State about the importance of helping Baghdad and Irbil resolve their differences in military and political matters to ensure stability for Iraq and Syria.

Reiterated the necessity of working with both Kurdish forces and Iraqi authorities to accommodate each other's interests in defeating Daesh and al-Qaeda, aiming for stability.

Expressed condolences to Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon’s family. Asked about the Government's intention to lay before the House an updated threat assessment, inquired about efforts against cyber-recruitment and Daesh funding, and questioned the removal of British citizenship from individuals involved with Assad regime. Sought clarity on the progress of the integrated review.

Complimented Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon's service and asked if the Government will continue to provide full support to armed forces both overseas and at home.

Critiqued the decline in regular armed forces since 2010, noting a reduction from 102,000 to 73,750. Asked how UK will continue its role against Daesh with depleted forces.

Acknowledged RAF operations and inquired about the Integrated Review, seeking assurance that it would ensure well-equipped armed forces fit for modern threats.

Asked about the Government's assessment of integrating DFID into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, specifically regarding aid efforts in post-conflict reconstruction following 2015 airstrikes.

Asked if British forces' primary role in the Middle East would remain training rather than direct action, aiming to avoid further significant land engagements.

Echoed the Secretary of State’s tribute to armed forces and emphasised the importance of supporting allies in Kurdistan, questioning how the UK can help them feel safer and more prosperous.

Stated commitment to helping Kurdish people share our values; mentioned evil nature of Assad regime's actions. Reassured the House about MINUSMA deployment; stressed Africa's importance in future conflicts against Islamist terrorism, promising support through training and economic strategies.

Complimented the Defence Secretary on Daesh updates but highlighted the growing Islamist insurgency in Sahel and west Africa. Inquired about National Security Council’s role in addressing conflict sources in these regions.

Asked whether the Secretary of State will secure sufficient resources for foreign and defence policy in west Africa against Islamist terrorism.

Welcomed statement on Daesh's decline, requesting reassurance that UK would respond to security threats wherever they come from.

Urged the Secretary of State to honour commitment for quarterly updates on matters related to Daesh and similar groups.

Paid tribute to Lance-Corporal Gillon. Asked what measures are being taken to prevent Daesh's smuggling activities in Yemen through the Red Sea, particularly the port of Hodeidah.

Paid tribute to Lance-Corporal Brodie Gillon. Asked about steps being taken as part of integrated review to update protection of civilians strategy in conflicts.

Asked the Defence Secretary for an update on international coalition efforts to prevent foreign terrorist fighters from relocating to other conflict zones beyond Syria and Iraq.

Welcomed financial support provided by the UK to Syrian Democratic Forces. Inquired about whether Turkish attacks against these forces are counterproductive, requesting details of representations made to Turkey regarding these actions.

Regularly speaks with Turkish counterpart about border security and terrorist threats. Acknowledges Turkey's concerns regarding PKK terrorism but supports Kurdish allies in Syria for stability. Mentions over 3.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, commending their efforts. Discusses reduction of foreign fighters joining Daesh and use of Prevent scheme to divert individuals from radicalisation. Addresses risk of terrorist caliphate revival due to inaction by western governments and warns against rendition. Assures continued UK support for rebuilding efforts and commitment to security.

Asked the Secretary of State about number of people joining Daesh as foreign fighters and measures being taken to prevent British citizens from joining such forces.

Cited a King’s College report warning about significant strategic risk due to inaction by western governments on Daesh detainees. Asked the Secretary of State how he plans to address this issue.

Expressed gratitude for British forces' contribution against Daesh, second largest after US, and asked about future UK commitment to combating Daesh and rebuilding efforts in the region.

Asked about UK Government's specific actions to tackle coronavirus pandemic among displaced people and questioned impact of DFID merger on expertise for response.

Emphasised duty to protect troops, citizens, and civilians from Daesh threats and asked for Secretary of State's agreement on this priority.

Suggested a change in law to deal with individuals who offer moral support to Daesh fighters, including women who become their wives, within the UK justice system.

Acknowledged Syria's catastrophic situation and asked about continuation of UK assistance in rebuilding efforts and tackling poverty left by Daesh.

Inquired about measures to eliminate online presence of Daesh and tackle radicalisation or recruitment among UK citizens, given that operations continue despite the pandemic.