Government must step up response to Iraq tragedy, says Alexander

Douglas Alexander, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary has said that the Government must “step up the humanitarian response” to the current crisis in northern Iraq, where thousands have been killed by ISIL and thousands more have fled. Alexander reaffirms Labour’s support for the the humanitarian effort so far, including the use of military assets to deliver supplies to the region.

Earlier this week, new Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond chaired an emergency COBRA meeting, and has since increased the level of aid the UK is sending to Iraq, which Labour has welcomed.

Alexander said:

“Tens of thousands of people remain trapped and terrified on Mount Sinjar having fled ISIL’s murderous advance.

“Nearly a quarter of Iraq’s Christians have been driven from their homes in the past week alone. In theory, ISIL is giving religious minorities the choice of converting, paying a fine, or leaving. But in practice, many are being murdered before they could even make that horrendous choice.

“President Obama was right to authorise targeted US air strikes to prevent the further slaughter of these vulnerable civilians, and to support the humanitarian air drops of vital food, water, and medicine.

“The Iraqi Government has asked for international help. The UN Security Council has urged the world to act, and the United States has unique military capabilities to help avert a massacre.

“Clearly the UK must now also be doing all that we can to assist the vital humanitarian effort that is now underway to help save lives and prevent further suffering.

“Labour has welcomed the UK’s provision of humanitarian support for Iraq to date, including the use of military assets to assist with the delivery of humanitarian supplies.

“The Government should be working actively with our allies to now step up the humanitarian response to the unfolding tragedy on Mount Sinjar. That should include looking at how the United Kingdom can contribute most effectively, including the use of military assets to deliver supplies.

“Our task is to make our contribution and support the work required to save lives and secure the safety of these vulnerable people.”