Syria: UK Military Involvement Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Syria: UK Military Involvement

Baroness Jolly Excerpts
Tuesday 21st July 2015

(9 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Jolly Portrait Baroness Jolly (LD)
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My Lords—

Baroness Stowell of Beeston Portrait The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Stowell of Beeston) (Con)
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My Lords, I am so sorry, but the House is calling for the noble Lord, Lord Reid. I suggest that, if we can be brief, we will be able to hear from the Lib Dem Benches as well.

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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, currently there is no doubt that ISIL represents the greater threat.

Baroness Jolly Portrait Baroness Jolly
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My Lords, in the Syria Statement yesterday, the Secretary of State’s words were carefully chosen. At the moment, our actions could be construed as the West versus Islam, so could the Minister see any likelihood of future pilots being embedded in Middle Eastern partners’ forces? Would any ministerial permission therefore need to be sought?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, exchange of personnel is a regular feature of our Armed Forces, as the noble Baroness will be aware, and this has been the case for many years. I asked for figures relating to our personnel embedded with the forces of other nations, but that statistic is more difficult to come by than might be initially supposed. However, if I can enlighten the noble Baroness, and indeed the House, I would be happy to do so once the information has been gathered.