Alexander: This is a test of faith for UN’s responsibility to protect
Douglas Alexander, shadow foreign secretary, spoke during the Commons debate on the Libyan intervention:
“We will support the government tonight not simply because it was vital to avoid what the right honourable and learned member for north east Fife warned would be the ‘slaughterhouse of Benghazi’. The impact of that decision – the decision we take tonight – will be felt not only in Tripoli but in other capitals across the region and across the world. I believe that for the United Nations, this now represents a test of faith as well as of strength. In the face of the global challenges we face, we need strong and effective multilateral institutions, so the United Nations should be the focus both of diplomacy and of action.
“The lasting shame of Rwanda, Somalia, Srebrenica and East Timor cannot, of course, be removed in one security council resolution, but this resolution can give new life to the doctrine that developed in response to those failures – the responsibility to protect. That should not hide the fact that military action almost always leads to the loss of life, but it should give us courage that the motion tabled today reflects the broadest consensus of international views, approved by the highest multilateral body. If we believe in a responsibility to protect, if we believe that multilateral institutions should be used for the protection of civilian life, discussion should be followed by decision and by action.
“Many members from both sides of the House have mentioned the situations in Bahrain and in Yemen, which are both deeply concerning and deteriorating. Notwithstanding its historical ties, Britain must be unequivocal in its condemnation of the violence, and must make it clear to both the Bahraini and the Yemeni governments that a security response cannot be an alternative to political reform.
“The commencement of military action should not be a signal that the time for diplomacy is over. This crisis will test not just our military strength, but our diplomatic skill and stamina. It is vital that the diplomatic work continues to hold together this precious coalition. I welcome the prime minister’s announcement of regular political-level meetings of the coalition, and I would welcome a clear and continuing role for the Arab League.
“The House has the privilege of discussion, but it also has the responsibility of decision. All of us who will support and stand with the government tonight must have the humility to acknowledge that, at this moment of decision, we cannot say for certain what lies ahead. Intervention, even in support of humanitarian ends, brings with it unforeseen and uncertain consequences, but by our decision tonight we will be supporting action that has already prevented the foreseeable and certain killing of many Libyan citizens. We will also be supporting action that has broad support in the region and is underpinned by a security council resolution that authorises the necessary force required to protect the Libyan people.”
