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Iraq and the wider Middle East

I am grateful to the Members of this House, who, through their contributions to this afternoon’s long debate, have illustrated clearly the extent of the challenges that we face in our efforts to help bring long-term peace and stability to the middle east. I pay tribute to the professionalism and sacrifices of our brave armed forces deployed across the region. Their great contribution is vital to the best interests of this country, and to the values at the core of our society. Members of this House have an extensive knowledge and experience of the region which reflects Britain’s deep and historic relationship with the middle east. That relationship, as we have heard this afternoon, weighs heavily on the shoulders of this country. History has taught us that it is in this country’s interest to help in whatever way we can to resolve the bitter conflicts that continue to divide the region and stem its long-term development.