Iraq: meeting of National Security Council

19 Jun 2014 01:05 PM

Yesterday’s discussion focused on the grave situation in Iraq and the impact of the conflict on domestic security here in Britain. 

Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said:

“Today’s National Security Council discussion focused on the grave situation in Iraq and the impact of the conflict on domestic security here in Britain.

“The Prime Minister concluded that:

• the government should continue to do all it can to address the threat posed to the UK by the return of foreign fighters, including by interviewing individuals at the UK border suspected of being involved in acts of terrorism; cancelling or withdrawing passports of suspected foreign fighters seeking to travel to Syria or Iraq; and introducing new measures to prosecute those who plan and train for terrorism abroad

• we should press the Iraqi government to pursue an inclusive political response and that we should work with moderate Shias, Sunnis and Kurds in Iraq who support a democratic, pluralistic state with respect for the rule of law

• UK military intervention is not on the table but we should continue to work with the United States and countries in the Gulf region to prevent the spread of violent extremism in the region

• we should continue to provide humanitarian support to Iraq and neighbouring countries bearing the burden of refugees fleeing both Iraq and Syria

“Ministers agreed that the National Security Council should return to the issue of Iraq in the near future and discuss the broader risks posed to the UK and the Gulf region by supporters of an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis).”

Find out more about the National Security Council