Richard Benyon MP on ISIL in Iraq

Richard Benyon MP outlines his position on Joining a coalition against ISIL 

Prior to the debate in Parliament, Richard spoke of his position in respect of the United Kingdom joining a coalition to tackle the threat posed by ISIL in Iraq.

Richard said: “The decision to commit British forces in any shape or form is not something anyone in Parliament takes lightly. I am therefore in Parliament to listen to the debate and hopefully contribute myself. As things stand I am convinced it is right to support the Government’s motion.”

He continued: “ISIL are involved in some of the most brutal outrages I have ever encountered. These include mass killings of women and children and the beheading of a UK citizen. We will be operating at the express request of the Iraqi Government. With other colleagues I have spoken with the Attorney General this morning, and am satisfied of the legality of the proposed deployment.

I believe that the solution to this has to be a local one but limited airstrikes may just make it possible for Iraqi and Kurdish forces to control this brutal threat. I am also very aware that ISIL pose a threat to us in the UK and to British nationals abroad.”

He concluded: “My default position is not to intervene in wars. I come from a generation of politician who were deeply affected by the Iraq war, the so-called “dodgy dossier” and the wider implications it has had around the world. So I don’t approach decisions like today’s lightly or in a “gung-ho” manner. I will listen to the debate and if the motion is passed will continue to hold the Government to account for how United Kingdom forces are tasked and deployed.”