Iran: Military Power Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Iran: Military Power

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts
Tuesday 20th February 2024

(9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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My Lords, as with all military activity, and particularly when dealing with an organisation such as the Iranian Government, international co-operation is absolutely critical. That must remain the situation. Everybody is committed to striving to achieve a diplomatic solution.

As far as the aircraft carriers are concerned, we have two. When it was decided that it was not advisable for one to be sent to Prosperity Guardian, the other managed to get going within eight days, which is an extraordinary feat from its crew.

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)
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My Lords, I am not exactly an admirer of the Iranian regime, but, in the 21st century, should any country have the right to extend its power beyond its borders? The United States, with 750 bases in 50 countries, is not exactly a model democracy.

Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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My Lords, surely the point is that the United States is a democracy. Iran is not.