What is the extent of British involvement in Iraq? Philip Hammond today said it was simply to provide humanitarian assistance, but the suggestion that ministers could send Tornado jets to help with the relief operation has confused some. Even though sources have told the BBC that the jets will not be involved in air strikes, Jack Straw has immediately read the report as a sign that the UK could be heading towards ‘more active intervention’. He told ITV:
‘That’s a start. If you’re going to have more active intervention with aeroplanes striking at ISIS columns or drones, you need a lot of intelligence and the next stage is to send Tornados. I’m actually pleased to hear that because Tornados are not machines that can deliver humanitarian assistance.’
What Straw is highlighting here is that it isn’t entirely clear what the extent of UK involvement in the action in Iraq could be. This is one reason why a recall of Parliament could be necessary, so that MPs can scrutinise the true extent of the involvement.
Nick de Bois and David Burrowes set out another reason in their letter to the Prime Minister calling for a recall of Parliament.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in