Henry Smith MP has asked the Defence Secretary in the House of Commons about the UK’s alliances around the world and international efforts in defeating Daesh (Islamic State), on Monday, 20th July.

Henry said;

“While the UK has a role to play in the fight against the horrors of Daesh, it is important that we work alongside our strategic allies in the region.

“I am grateful to the Defence Secretary for providing an update to the House of Commons on how the international community must work together to defeat this evil from our world.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, gave a speech in Birmingham on the UK Government’s plans to address extremism.

Henry Smith, Member of Parliament for Crawley, asked the Secretary of State for Defence;

“I welcome the statement by my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary. What recent discussions has he had with other Muslim nations in the Middle East on our common alliance against the evil of Daesh?”

The Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, responded;

“I and the Foreign Secretary have regular discussions with leaders in the Middle East. 

“I recently met the King of Jordan, I speak to other leaders on the phone, and I shall be visiting the Middle East in a couple of weeks. They are very aware that the effort to defeat ISIL has to be led from within the region, as well as by using the international coalition to support it from outside the region. 

“They are grateful for our assistance and they would certainly welcome any additional support that we can give the Government of Iraq. As we can do more, so too can they.”