I am acutely aware of the issues at stake in the upcoming offensive against Daesh in Mosul, and share the concerns of my constituents regarding potential risk to Iraqi citizens and children. Britain, in its cooperation with the international task force organizing the operation, strove to minimize risk to civilians and protect innocents in the city. I believe that these concerns must remain at the forefront as our efforts in the region continue.
However, the atrocities committed by Daesh, both against the Iraqi people and in attacks abroad, are an extremely serious matter. The acts of terror they carried out across Europe and their violence against Christians and other minorities, as well as the majority Muslim population in Syria, must be condemned as strongly as possible. Britain has been at the front of endeavours to rally international support against Daesh and to organise efforts against the organisation. We must sustain this work.
The Mosul offensive remains essential to the fight against Daesh. In recent months, international operations have led to a drastic decrease in size of the territory controlled by the group. The loss of key strategic areas – including oil production sites – significantly reduced Daesh’s revenue, further weakening the organization. Recapturing Mosul, due to its role as a tactical stronghold and as Daesh’s headquarters in northern Iraq, would be another serious blow to the group.
By restoring order and removing Daesh from the city, we aim to protect the safety and stability of the people of Mosul. In the coming weeks, the Government will continue to emphasise civilian safety while also cooperating with the international task force to recapture this key site. In so doing, I hope that we can ensure regional stability and reduce the influence of Daesh, while also minimising risk to the citizens of Mosul.