Middle East
Debate between Mohammad Yasin and John Healey(1 week, 1 day ago)
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John Healey
I am a somewhat simple man, and I am not clear what cultural capability really means. If the hon. Gentleman would like to write to me with his proposition, I would be happy to have a look at it.
Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab)
One of the clearest lessons of the Chilcot inquiry was that the UK must be prepared to say no to the US when British interests, legal standards and global stability are at risk. Will the Government hold firm and not be drawn further into this conflict by a so-called ally whose conduct is unpredictable, insulting, destabilising and, in my view, deranged?
John Healey
Let me say again that while we are taking the necessary action to defend our interests and our allies, as the Prime Minister has made clear to the House and in public, we will not get drawn into the wider war.
Middle East: Defence
Debate between Mohammad Yasin and John Healey(3 weeks, 1 day ago)
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John Healey
The last thing the right hon. Lady will find me doing is commenting on American political affairs. What she will find me doing as Defence Secretary is putting the protection of British people—military and civilians—bases and allies front and centre.
Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) (Lab)
US and Israeli strikes on Iran have pushed the region into deeper instability. More than 1,000 civilians, including children, have been killed, Britons remain stranded, and the shock to fuel prices is already being felt at home. The Government were right not to join this illegal war, but will the Secretary of State hold the line against the drumbeat for escalation? Will he commit only to defend British citizens and national security within international law, and not enter an offensive war without the consent of this House?
John Healey
My hon. Friend will have heard me set out in my statement, and in response to other questions, the principles on which the decisions that we have taken are based. They will continue to inform any future decision that we take, as circumstances in this conflict may change.