Newbury MP quizzes Prime Minister over ISIS

Richard Benyon asks what UK is doing to "destroy" terrorists after Paris attacks

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon has waded into the international debate on terrorism by quizzing prime minister David Cameron and senior government ministers about what the UK is doing to tackle ISIS and support France following the recent terrorist attacks.

At least 129 people died after so-called Islamic State militants carried out a series of attacks on bars and restaurants in Paris.

Mr Benyon asked the questions in the House of Commons on Monday, the first of which was: “What contribution is the UK making to international efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL?”

Michael Fallon, the secretary of state for defence, replied by saying: “The United Kingdom is already making a significant contribution to the international counter-ISIL coalition, with strike aircraft, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and in helping to train Iraqi forces.”

Mr Benyon then asked David Cameron: “Does my right hon. Friend agree that France is a country that shares our world view and has good armed forces? We must build on the Lancaster House agreement, and I hope that the Prime Minister’s discussions with President Hollande went in that direction.”

Mr Cameron replied: “My hon. Friend is right. Britain and France are two European powers that have a similar place in the world, a similar belief in strong defence, and a similar understanding that that is an essential part of their global reach. That is why it makes such good sense for us to co-operate and work together.”

Putting his final question to Mr Fallon, Mr Benyon said: “Many of us, on all sides of the House, will support the Government as they make the intelligent case for extending the air campaign into Syria, and we reject totally the accusation that such a move would be a gesture.

“Does my right hon. Friend agree that our allies—not us, our allies—have been diminishing ISIL’s command and control, restricting its ability to move en masse, and restricting its ability to take control of more ground? Is it not time to stop subcontracting our security to our friends?

To which Mr Fallon replied: “I agree with my hon. Friend. We should not leave the fight against ISIL to French, American or Australian aircraft.”