Carmichael highlights Iraq legacy in PM Iran statement to Parliament

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today warned the Prime Minister that “the people of the United Kingdom will not support any intervention that does not have a clear objective and a clear plan for post-conflict period” following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Carmichael called on the Prime Minister to commit to a parliamentary vote on any UK offensive engagements with Iran.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“In 2003 this House voted to support George Bush’s war in Iraq. 10 years later we voted against supporting Barack Obama’s intervention in Syria. I believed and still believe that on both occasions we made the wrong decision, but it was of critical important for the political and even the social cohesion of this country that these should be decisions made in this Chamber.

“The people of the United Kingdom will not support an intervention that does not have a clear objective and a clear plan for post-conflict period. Will the Prime Minister be guided by these principles, and will he ensure that this House is given its place in whatever is handed to us in the weeks and months to come?”

Responding, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Of course this House must hold accountability and debate on this issue, but in relation to the vote, there is no convention for a vote in relation to defensive action, only offensive action – and nor could there be, realistically. Defensive action has to be taken at very swift notice.

“On Saturday morning, I had to take the decision to deploy our pilots to the sky in order to defend UK nationals. There is no way we could have waited for a debate or vote in the House. Equally, last night I had to take a decision about the deployment and use of bases, and to do that when it was a matter of some urgency.

“I agree with him that there must be a full debate in the House, but the vote in the House is in relation to deployment of military personnel for offensive action, and that is something I have advocated.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“The Prime Minister was wrong to get caught up in the distinction between defence and offence in his answer. The purpose of a parliamentary vote on the use of military force is to maintain national unity and legitimacy. That is a political aim, not a legal one.

“Few of us are going to mourn the loss of leaders of the Iranian regime, which led a murderous crackdown on protestors just weeks ago, and which has made its own, seemingly indiscriminate, attacks on neighbouring countries in response to the US-Israeli assault. Even so it is hard to look at the growing conflict throughout the Middle East today and see the attacks by the US and Israel as a long-term solution.

“If there is a lesson from the war on Iraq, it is surely that wars of choice without a clear and defined objective or endpoint have consequences that linger with us far beyond the initial moment of intervention. The Prime Minister – and those who would cheerlead us into another war in the Middle East today – would be wise to reflect upon that legacy.”