Lords to debate report on UK Middle East policy

- Report, “The Middle East: Time for New Realism” calling for a major re-shaping of UK policy in the Middle East  -

The House of Lords will tomorrow, Tuesday 4 July, debate the International Relations Committee’s report, which was published in May 2017. 

Among those listed to speak are Chair of the Committee Lord Howell of Guildford, former Special Advisor to William Hague Baroness Helic, former Ambassador to the UN Lord Hannay, and President of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust Baroness Cox. Others include: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Lord Alderdice, Lord Alton of Liverpool, Lord Collins of Highbury, Baroness Coussins, Baroness Deech, Lord Grocott, Lord Hylton, Lord Judd, Lord Luce, Lord Polak, Lord Purvis of Tweed, Baroness Smith of Newnham, and Lord Stone of Blackheath.       

The debate is being moved by Lord Howell of Guildford, Chair of the International Relations Committee. Lord Ahmed will respond on behalf of the Government.

The debate is expected to start from around 3:00pm.

The report “The Middle East: Time for New Realism” was published in May 2017 calling for a re-shaping of UK policy. Conclusions and recommendations noted that: there can no longer be automatic reliance on American leadership, or the direction of its policy; the UK should seek a deeper engagement with Iran, supporting the nuclear deal and considering opportunities to broaden trade and economic relations; and the Saudi-led review of UK arms exports is not adequate. 

Notes to Editors

1. The debate is expected to start from around 3.00pm.
2. The report is attached