Iraq Motion today

That this House

Condemns the barbaric acts of ISIL against the peoples of Iraq including the Sunni, Shia, Kurds, Christians and Yazidi and the humanitarian crisis this is causing; recognizes the clear threat ISIL pose to the territorial integrity of Iraq and the request from the Government of Iraq for military support from the international community and the specific request to the UK Government for such support;  further recognizes the threat ISIL poses to wider international security and the UK directly through its sponsorship of terrorist attacks and its murder of a British hostage; acknowledges the broad coalition contributing to military support of the Government of Iraq, including countries throughout the Middle East; further acknowledges the request of the Government of Iraq for international support to defend itself against the threat ISIL poses to Iraq and its citizens, and the clear legal basis that this provides for action in Iraq; notes that this motion does not endorse UK air strikes in Syria as part of this   campaign and any proposal to do so would be subject to a separate vote in Parliament; accordingly supports Her Majesty’s Government, working with allies, in supporting the Government of Iraq in protecting civilians and restoring its territorial integrity, including the use of UK air strikes to support Iraqi, including Kurdish, security forces’ efforts against ISIL in Iraq; notes that Her Majesty’s Government will not deploy UK troops in ground combat operations;  offers its wholehearted support to the men and women of Her Majesty’s armed forces.

Parliament recalled

I have just heard that parliament is to be recalled on Thursday. After the last couple of nights of mayhem in London I can understand why. We must get behind our brave policemen, who are doing a great job. As to the mindless mobs who attacked firemen and ambulance drivers [not the first time I have heard this happening] words fail me.

Last week I came back to work in Westminster. It is great to be getting back to work on behalf of the people who sent me here. Last week the House was quiet - it will not be this week. I did a full week in westminster last week and am working most of it this week. My plan is to head home to Hexham this weekend, where I am working the rest of August.
We have exciting plans for the coming weeks which I will post in the next few days but right now my thoughts are with all those affected by the nights of violence and looting.