Peers discuss developments in Iraq
26 June 2014
Members of the Lords, including a former ambassador to the UN and a visiting fellow at the international affairs policy institute, Chatham House, discussed the current security and political situation in Iraq, on Wednesday 25 June.
This was a general debate. During debates, Lords are able to put their experience to good use, checking and challenging the government.
Many members expressed their shock and alarm at recent events and stressed the real danger of the disintegration of Iraq as a country. There were calls for the UK to support the formation of an inclusive government - representing the Shia, Sunni and Kurdish populations - as the route to restoring stability and security.
The role of the UN was also discussed, with the government confirming that it was considering, alongside other UN Security Council members, what more could be done by the international community. Many members called for more humanitarian assistance in the region.
The implications for security in the wider Middle East, concerns about British citizens travelling to the region to fight and questions about recent cuts to the FCO's counter-terrorism budget were also raised during the debate.
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