Lords International Relations committee asks for evidence on Middle East
The House of Lords International Relations Committee has launched a new inquiry on the Middle East, and how UK policy should take account of developments in the region.
The inquiry, entitled Transformation of Power in the Middle East and Implications for UK Policy, will look at economic, political and social trends in the region and examine how UK Government policy needs to adapt to these trends.
Following the inquiry the Committee will make a report to the UK Government including recommendations on future policy-making.
Areas the Committee is inviting evidence on include:
- What are the key economic, political and social trends in the region?
- What are UK interests in the region and how have they so far changed?
- What are the consequences for UK policy of any shifts in the above trends?
- How has UK policy changed following the Arab Spring?
- What are the implications of Brexit on its policies in the region
Commenting Lord Howell of Guildford, Chairman of the Committee, said:
“The Middle East has undergone, and continues to undergo, significant change and the UK's relationship with, and interests in, the region are in consequence being fundamentally affected. Our inquiry will look beyond the headlines, and explore the emerging and long-term trends and upheavals in the region, and their implications for the UK.
This inquiry will adopt a thematic approach to consider how these developments affect the UK and how they impact on UK policy making, including the implications of the Iran nuclear deal and Brexit, among many other developments.
Our report will rely on the evidence the Committee receives and I would ask those with expertise and interest in this unfolding new scene to submit evidence before 18 November 2016 so it can be incorporated into our inquiry.”
The Committee is inviting written evidence to be received by 18 November 2016.
