Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Terrorism

Monday 20 September 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government engages internationally to address terrorism threats in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and North Africa
  • Reduction in conflict funding to Iraq and Afghanistan is partly due to concerns over Taliban control
  • UK supports French and British forces in Mali with helicopters and peacekeeping troops

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patricia Gibson SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about recent international discussions on tackling terrorism.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with its international counterparts to address international terrorism in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and North Africa?

Answer from Ben Wallace

I routinely engage at all levels nationally and internationally to tackle the threat of terrorism across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. We continue to work with allies and regional partners to ensure a safe and secure Afghanistan and prevent terrorist groups from gaining any foothold in the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify recent discussions or outcomes of those discussions

How: Routinely Engage, Work With Allies

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Q2 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the impact of UK bilateral aid cuts to Iraq and Afghanistan on the potential for international terrorism.

Question

What assessment has been made by the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with security and intelligence services, regarding the impacts of reduced conflict, stability, and security funding to Iraq and Afghanistan on the increasing threat of international terrorism?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The reduction in funding is partly due to concerns that it could end up in Taliban hands. Counter-terrorism funding has increased by over 30% since 2015, supporting both civilians and special forces. We are procuring new capabilities such as drones.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the assessment of impacts specifically requested

How: Reduction In Funding Is Partly Due To Concerns, Counter-Terrorism Funding Has Increased

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Q3 Patricia Gibson SNP
Crime & Law Enforcement Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP asked for an update from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre on the terror threat facing the UK post-Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Question

Can the Secretary of State indicate when an update will be given to the House on the terrorist threat facing the UK following the Taliban's control over Afghanistan and its potential impact?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre sets threat levels independently of Ministers. The House will be informed when changes occur. For updates, Members can apply for Adjournment debates or table written questions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline for an update

How: Sets Threat Levels Independently, Apply For Adjournment Debates

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Q4 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP suggested that long-term nation building is not feasible and asked if the government would review its counter-terrorism strategy.

Question

Given that long-term nation-building from the ground up is no longer an option, considering terrorist attacks could happen again, will the Secretary of State institute a serious review of the counter-terrorism strategy?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Contest, our counter-terrorism strategy, is world-leading and periodically refreshed to meet changing situations. I have initiated work on how we deal with changes in the environments where we fight terrorism and what future capabilities will be needed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a serious review as requested

How: Contest Is World-Leading, Periodically Refreshed

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Q5 Paul Maynard Con
Defence
Context

The MP asked for an update on the work of French and British forces deployed in Mali and the wider Sahel region.

Question

Will the Defence Secretary provide an update to the House on the operations of French and British forces in Mali and the broader Sahel area?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The UK supports Operation Barkhane with Chinook helicopters. We also have 300 troops on UN peacekeeping missions in Mali, addressing nation-building efforts. Intelligence channels are used to monitor threats like the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a formal update as requested

How: Uk Supports Operation Barkhane, 300 Troops On Un Missions

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