News story

9th October 2001

Local MP Calls For Strict Limits On Military Action

Northavon MP Steve Webb has expressed grave concern at suggestions that the present military action might be extended beyond Afghaistan. The MP was speaking as Parliament was recalled for third time since the attacks on the US on September 11th. He was responding to a letter from the US Government to the United Nations which suggested that the “war against terrorism” might be extended to cover other states. This has been widely interpreted as meaning that an attack on Iraq might be included as part of the present campaign. This issue was debated by Lib Dem MPs at Westminster at a private meeting yesterday (Monday 8th) and it was unanimously agreed that such a move would be unacceptable.

In a statement, Steve Webb MP said:

“I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that military action to undermine the terrorist networks based in Afghanistan is necessary. The fact that an international coalition, including neighbouring Muslim states, has been put together in support of such action is powerful evidence of the unity of purpose that exists for this very specific goal. But any suggestion that the present campaign should be extended to justify attacks on other states should be resisted. Any such attack would shatter the coalition and would be a victory for those who want to turn this fragile situation into a global war between Islam and the West. This must not be allowed to happen”.

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