Rochdale’s Member of Parliament, Paul Waugh, has spoken out in the House of Commons on the escalating conflict involving Iran, warning of the impact on global stability and on families across Rochdale.
In a series of interventions in Parliament, Paul made clear he does not support the actions of the Iranian regime, but strongly backed the Government’s decision not to join what he described as a “reckless war” led by the United States and Israel.
He told the House of Commons:
“I shed no tears for the demise of an Iranian regime that murdered and repressed tens of thousands of its own citizens, particularly women, but I am proud that this Government have not joined the US and Israel in this reckless war, which lacks a clear plan and which is hitting my constituents in the pocket and threatening the global economy.”
Paul also pressed ministers to prioritise British interests, including protecting households from rising energy costs linked to instability in the region and disruption to global supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
He said:
“This Government are absolutely right to refuse to take part in the war being waged by the United States and Israel. We must put British interests first, including protecting the global economy and our constituents’ energy bills.”
Highlighting the real-world impact on local residents, Paul raised the case of Barrie and Gill Fulton from Littleborough, who rely on LPG heating and are already seeing sharp price increases. He also shared concerns from another constituent, Louise Marshall, who contacted him about soaring heating oil costs.
He told ministers:
“My constituents, Barrie and Gill Fulton, live in a rural part of Littleborough and rely on LPG. Both have cancer and are worried sick about the price spike they are seeing. We need to ensure support schemes are flexible enough to help families like theirs.”
In a separate intervention, he added:
“My constituent in Rochdale, Louise Marshall, wrote to me this weekend because she is worried sick about the massive price rise she is facing for heating oil. We must be absolutely clear that we will not tolerate price gouging or war profiteering from oil companies that try to rip off their customers.”
Following his interventions, the Government confirmed that additional support is being made available for households reliant on LPG and heating oil, recognising the particular pressures faced by off-grid communities.
Paul also welcomed the Prime Minister’s firm stance in maintaining an independent UK foreign policy, including standing up to pressure from former US President Donald Trump.
He said:
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership in standing up for Britain’s independent foreign policy. Decisions about war and peace must be made in the UK’s national interest, not dictated by others.”
Paul added that the situation underlines the importance of continued investment in the UK’s armed forces to protect British citizens and interests overseas, while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
He said:
“We must always support our armed forces in defending British citizens and interests, but we should never be drawn into conflicts that lack a clear plan and risk making global instability worse.”