News story: Foreign Secretary statement on FAC report on UK’s role in war against Daesh (ISIL)
Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, said:
The recent appalling attacks are a painful reminder of the threat we all face from Daesh.
UK airstrikes were extended to Syria as part of a comprehensive strategy to defeat Daesh and that strategy is working. Daesh has lost 40 per cent of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and significant territory in Syria. Its finances are being squeezed and its fighters are defecting. The so called caliphate is collapsing.
But the ultimate defeat of Daesh will require a Syria led by a government committed to protecting its people. That requires a political transition away from Asad.
The current Cessation of Hostilities has changed the situation on the ground in Syria and we support efforts to use it to bring about a lasting political settlement. Turkey and our other partners in the region all have a crucial role to play.
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