Plaid Cymru has responded to the deepening crisis in Iraq by urging the UK Government to pursue diplomatic and humanitarian channels to assist the growing number of refugees in the region, and calling for the full and immediate publication of the Chilcot inquiry to throw light on the UK’s true involvement in the Iraq War.
Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood AM called on regional powers in the Middle East to unite to ensure that aid is delivered to the millions of Iraqis who have been displaced as a result of the conflict.
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Group Leader Rt Hon Elfyn Llwyd MP added that his party stood by claims made by them several years ago that former Prime Minister Tony Blair should face charges for his role in taking the UK to war on false grounds.
Leanne Wood AM said:
“The deteriorating situation in Iraq is one of grave concern. Plaid Cymru believes the international community should meet the significant humanitarian challenges the current conflict has led to. Specifically, the support needed by the Kurdish Regional Government should be met and all action taken to avoid a humanitarian crisis. This must include bringing together regional powers.
“It is of great concern that former Labour Prime Minister Blair has decided to ramp up militaristic rhetoric this weekend with regards to the current conflict in Iraq. Plaid Cymru was unequivocal in opposition to the invasion and occupation of the country in 2003, and eleven years later we are categorically opposed to any military intervention in Iraq.
“The lessons of 2003 must be learnt and a solution must be found based on containing and resolving the conflict, not escalating it.”
Elfyn Llwyd MP added:
“The complexity and volatility of the situation in Iraq cannot be over-emphasised.
“The highly sectarian nature of the conflict is deep-rooted and will not be solved by any attempts to parachute democracy into the region. The West’s tragic and historic failure to recognise this meant that back in 2003 the UK and US planned for war without preparing for peace.
“Plaid Cymru colleagues and I were at the forefront of the campaign to impeach former Prime Minister Tony Blair for his role in taking the UK to war on false grounds. We stand by our claims that Mr Blair should face criminal charges for his actions and we demand the full and immediate publication of the Chilcot Inquiry.
“As far as the current UK Government’s actions are concerned, all energies must now focus on diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in order to secure co-operation between the West and Iraq’s neighbouring nations and deliver food, shelter and medical attention for refugees.”
