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Counter-Daesh Update
22 July 2020
Lead MP
Ben Wallace
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceForeign AffairsScience & Technology
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Ben Wallace raised concerns about counter-daesh update in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister of State for Defence has provided a comprehensive update on the UK's ongoing counter-Daesh efforts, highlighting RAF operations and the destruction of terrorist targets. He paid tribute to Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon who died in a rocket strike at Camp Taji. The statement also detailed the progress made by Iraqi security forces with continued coalition support and training from UK military personnel.
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.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
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.
Ben Wallace
Constituency Not Provided
14:17:00
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.
Jack Lopresti
Constituency Not Provided
14:17:00
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.
Ben Wallace
Constituency Not Provided
14:17:00
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.
Stewart McDonald
Constituency Not Provided
14:17:00
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.
Jo Gideon
Lab Co-op
Wrexham
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.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
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.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Acknowledged RAF operations and inquired about the Integrated Review, seeking assurance that it would ensure well-equipped armed forces fit for modern threats.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
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.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Asked if British forces' primary role in the Middle East would remain training rather than direct action, aiming to avoid further significant land engagements.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
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.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
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.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
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.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
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.
Ben Wallace
14:17:00
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.
Marco Longhi
14:17:00
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.
South Shields
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.
Andy Carter
14:17:00
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.
Patrick Grady
14:17:00
Asked about UK Government's specific actions to tackle coronavirus pandemic among displaced people and questioned impact of DFID merger on expertise for response.
Brendan Clarke-Smith
14:17:00
Emphasised duty to protect troops, citizens, and civilians from Daesh threats and asked for Secretary of State's agreement on this priority.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
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.
Sarah Dines
14:17:00
Acknowledged Syria's catastrophic situation and asked about continuation of UK assistance in rebuilding efforts and tackling poverty left by Daesh.
Martyn Day
14:17:00
Inquired about measures to eliminate online presence of Daesh and tackle radicalisation or recruitment among UK citizens, given that operations continue despite the pandemic.
Government Response
Responded to questions about air strikes, NATO’s role in counter-Daesh efforts, US forces leaving Iraq, and the need for stability. Discussed British support in west Africa and Mali. Addressed repatriation of child refugees from camps surrounding Syria. Provided detailed responses on threat assessments, cyber security measures against terrorism, importance of reserves, and the Integrated Review's focus on modernising defence capabilities through technology, autonomous areas, and international training. Emphasised the ongoing support for reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Syria. 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. Responded comprehensively to questions on reduction of foreign fighters joining Daesh, addressing risk of terrorist caliphate revival, UK commitment to combating Daesh and rebuilding efforts in Syria and Iraq. Emphasised importance of online harms White Paper for tackling radicalisation through internet service providers.
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