loans, have to do with a troubled economy, it's got to go the rest of us visited then moved into a position where we can return people the money that they put into that bank. that's what matters most of all. >> thank you, mr. speaker. can i offer my sympathies to the families and friends of the six soldiers who have been killed, five of which have served with the yorkshire regiment, the third battalion, the duke of wellington which i had the privilege of serving with. cannot ask the prime minister, i recognize the important fighter role which our troops and ever to undertake, and i support that process. but can i say that we do need to bring our troopsack in year 2015. can i ask the trend three, we do everything to support the families of those who were lost? >> my honorable friend speaks with expense because of his service in our armed forces. i think it's important we have a date for our troops coming home from afghanistan, a date which i

said we would not be in a combat role anything like the numbers we are in now at the end of 2014. i think it's important we make sure that all the equipment between now and then to keep them as safe as possible. i pay treated, the last of a start this with the extra money put into vehicles since 2006and we spent since been around 2 billion pounds of better protected vehicles. we put an additional 169 pounds on counter ied equipment but he's right we need to do more for the families at home and that is what the whole military cabinet progress and also the cabinet committee which ushered the first meeting of is all about. >> using applied language -- last week we heard the police were unable passionate is that the canisters we can expect from our police forces? >> i don't think there's anything wrong with the police giving back office functions

carried out by private sector organizations. indeed, when the shadow police minister was asked the question at the home office, he said he was quite relaxed about that. so i think that is right. but can i say to the honorable lady i'm delighted she's looking at the issue of whether to become a police ancrime commission. it will be an actual way of calling t police to account and help many other audible members will consider this career change. >> thank you, mr. speaker. will my right honorable friend do all he can to support -- [inaudible] not to leave the city of london because of the attack by the european union on the city of london's competitiveness? could i invite him to block the fiscal union treaty by applying to the european court of justice, because it is illegal, and to get the city safeguard

which was demanded in the summer? >> my honorable friend is right to raise the case of prudential because it is an example we are ill thought out e.u. legislation is endangering a great british business should have its headquarters right here in the uk. so i do recognize the importance that we are working hard at the european level and with the potential to try and deal with it. i know we have the full question time airs live on c- span 2 every wednesday. next week it will air at 8:00 a.m. eastern due to the u.s. daylight savings time change. you can watch it at 9:00 p.m. on c-span and any time on c- span.org, or you can find video

of past programs. tomorrow, mark zandi discusses the economic impact of steady unemployment rate and higher gas prices. and a discussion of an outreach efforts to business owners, then missy ryan looks at the u.s. embassy in baghdad. british prime minister david cameron fielded questions on foreign policy from members of the british liaison committee on tuesday. as focused on syria and iran. the prime minister's latest appearance focused on heightened violence in syria and growing

concern about iran and its possibility of acquiring a nuclear weapon. the liaison is made up of members of the committee. the prime minister's twice yearly appearance before the committee began with tony blair. go >> welcome. order, order. and welcome, prime minister. good of the beginning of this session, -- at the beginning of this session, i would like to record the debt and pay tribute to the fact that it was he who carried through in the house of

commons, which most people know is significant reform. trucks are would absolutely agree. -- >> i would absolutely agree. i think his reform was one that endured. after 2010 and some advice from him, he was an extraordinary politician and someone who loves are real legacy -- who left a real legacy. >> turning to a very serious

matter, we thought we would begin today by discussing the situation in syria. >> we are seeing bloodshed daily. 6000 people are reported to have been killed, and the calls for action grow. the main concern is the russians and chinese using their veto power. do you have a chance to talk about syria, and you have any optimism that his attitude may change amazon region may change? >> i did discuss -- the you have any optimism that his attitude may change?

>> you are right. it is appalling. the butchery carried out in my view is criminal, and it was extremely disappointing but russia and china vetoed a resolution that would have helped. i raised the issue. i think we do need to try and persuade the russians i do not think we are going to agree about the future for us to regard, but we have to persuade some regions future for syria, but we have to persuade them that -- now to agree that for the future of syria, we have to persuade down there is a cessation of violence. they do have considerable influence in syria, but i think they can make a difference, and they need to understand what they have done is to revive for their reputation across the arab because the arab league

is united in wanting to see a transition period of >> region a transition period of >> do you have -- wanting to see a transition. good >> the you have any advise democrats we would explore if there is more to be done to try to -- you have any advice? >> we would explore if there is more to be done. we want to see the regime called to account for its crimes. we want to see a transition. if there is a way of getting a resolution that other countries can agree on, it of these would provide a condemnation of violence -- at least would provide a combination of violence, that would be appropriate. >> there is a possibility of further support for the rebels. and what exactly did he have in mind?

>> what would be welcomed, if there was a clearer about bush of who the opposition is in a clearer sense of -- about who the opposition is in a clearer sense that would be democratic and open and tolerant of minorities and all their press. if we compare it to libya, they have done a good job of giving the world someone to talk through and someone to work with. we now have a body we can see as a legitimate body, and there is more work we need to do to understand the various elements and encourage them to come together and provide a more united front so we can work with them. we have an arms embargo applied to see regard, but i think there is quite a lot weekend to --

applied to syria, but i think there is a lot we can do to build support for the opposition. good >> you mentioned the arms embargo. this is a general embargo on weapons to syria. is there any way are around is? could this be preventing us from giving support, yet we know the russians are putting in a substantial number of weapons in support, so we have stopped the rebels fighting behind their back because of an embargo on region we have got the rebels fighting behind their back because of an embargo we are enforcing. >> we need to ask ourselves what is the best way to end violence in syria, and we discussed this at length. i think the answer is the does have is -- the best path is

transition. i think the idea of transition of the top is a better outcome than a revolution from the bottom. hink he shows stability are wrong. they may run out of time, but i think in terms of ending the bloodshed and getting a better outcome in. , a tradition of the top is a better answer to your good and -- getting a better outcome, transition from the top is a better answer. >> we may be able to do more in the future. >> there are stages. of course, it has been important this during an opposition has become better organized -- it has been important the opposition has become better organized. been a supplier of

equipment to help them. there has also been a supply of humanitarian aid. there are those steps but did not make an arms embargo during your >> you are enrolling out weapons of this toy, -- you are ruling out weapons of this point? >> our focus is to work with the opposition and make sure it is proper and worked out what we can to help them. >> moving on to what we might find, the british ambassador said yesterday he thought the regime might fall within a year, so have we made any assessment of what we are going find and what sort of regime and we will see? we seem to be reluctant to recognize the syrian national

council. would you like to comment on the fact that hawkeye done -- the currently active? >> there is growing evidence that extremas violence want to get involved, and there is some evidence they might have gotten involved already, so there are dangers on their front. good i think if we of ourselves what is the quickest way to end violence, it is for assad to go. what can clinton do? it is immensely frustrating when you see the blood showed -- what can britain do? it is immensely frustrating when you see the bloodshed in the amount of people that have been

deliberately targeted. there were not weapons in the buildings when these people were targeted and killed by this regime. we should not underestimate what we can do with political pressure, sanctions pressure, pressure with the un, all of these things. people ask why did you act and libya but you are not acting in the same way in a series of? -- the same way in syria? there was the arab league force and the international consensus, and it was are actually not only legal and right, but it was achievable. i think syria is different. we have to look at other ways to bring about a change the world and see regan need to see. >> can i ask you to talk more

-- about a change the world and syria need. but then i ask you about the arab league. they seem to be taking a supportive role and are apparently considering giving some arms. if the is the case, what would of british government doing in the league of -- in the event of the arab league intervening in that way? praxair think it is right to recognize the arab league -- >> i think it is right to recognize the arab league has an interest and a leadership role, and when the world allows the arab league to get in a leadership role, it is far more likely to end up with a better outcome because arab people can see their friends and neighbors are supporting them and wanting to

get rid of this criminal regime. we want to work in lock step with them. that is where we have said the syrian national council is a legitimate representative of the syrian opposition, so our view is we should work with the arab league. we very much took care plan with them to the united nations and wrote it into the resolution. but was a way to work with them to demonstrate this is the world working with the arab league rather than the rest of the world telling them what to do. >> if they took a more interventionist line we might follow them through? >> we might well do, but like i said, if you are a question what is the best way to end violence, it is transition of the top rather than bloody civil war that would be a better outcome for the people in syria.

if those who are supporting assad because they think he brings the ability to syria, if they go on with that, they will continue with the civil war that is going to cause more civil war and suffering. good >> i think we would agree, but so for the mechanisms have not delivered results. about publicar executions in the streets, yet we seem to be unable to intervene. there are two things. what can we do when this is happening to stop it? at what point does the responsibility chicane region in --responsibilities kick in, and of what point do we need to

support turkey? >> the first thing is to reassure the resources are there so the help is there, and we have made the money for humanitarian aid. we are the first to help. the problem is getting paid where it needs to go, and the problem is the authorities are not allowing that to happen, so we need to build the maximum amount of pressure. that is why he is going again to the region to make sure aid gets through. but is where we are trying to write the security council and get a russian -- that is why we are trying to get the security council and get russian support. aid is still getting to places for kilometers away from homs, and that is not acceptable. in terms of the issue of the responsibility to protect, i

want us to do more. of our want us to be are active to take every step weekend -- i want us to be more active to take every step we can to stop this slaughter. we have to be clear the circumstances are different, and in my position or the position of the french president or the american president, we've got to be clear about knowing what our means can achieve and knowing we have everything necessary to achieve them before we start taking steps like that. >> they would apply for a temporary humanitarian cause. you're the problem is we have not been able to get humanitarian relief. >> i think it may be positive to get a humanitarian cause of the of this -- via this group, but

we have to be clear you cannot up unless youings top-notc have the means to enforce them. going back to libya, we wanted a no-fly zone. we have to be prepared to take a step of taking out the libyan air defenses across the country. we have to be prepared to use fairly overwhelming force to make possible the and we walked on the ground, and we have to be clear of the moment is of those pressures -- at the moment is all of those pressures we should be facing. i do not think we should rule out safe zones. we should examine these things, but we have sure we have the means to achieve them rather than just clear of them. >> what about the danger that

when assad goes he could be replaced by an extremist sunni the argosy would sympathies -- theocracy. >> it is actually hard to think of an alternative that would be much worse then assad himself. there are two questions. one is is there an outcome and whene current juaone, you also think about the support he has given to terrorist groups, but the next question is can you be sure someone else would stop the slaughter that

is taking place, and that is why the pressure is so important for the world to say what is happening is an exempt above -- is an unacceptable. good parts where would he go, and how much would he take with him? -- >> where would he go, and how much would he take with him? >> i do not want to see this person not held accountable for their crimes. one reason we are sending people to the region is to document human rights abuses. but what about a situation where assad and his family went into exile and return for a peaceful

transition? >> an outcome that stops the slaughter of a peaceful future for stereo is better than what we have now -- for syria is better done what we have now. there are people who think that clinging to him is somehow part of a safer syria. it is unthinkable that he could run a stable. region in stable -- that he could run a stable syria. but turning to iran, a nuclear- arms to iran would have devastating consequences. how do you measure the

effectiveness of sanctions? >> our policy has three problems. the first is sanctions. the second is to say to the iranians, if you stop pursuing nuclear weapons, there is a negotiation on having nuclear power and being a civilized arts of the world. the third thing is nothing is off the table. but it is difficult to say but i think it is very important to send a message to iran a nuclear-arms future is not something we want to see. to answer the question what affect can sanctions have, they are beginning to have an economic effect. you can see that with what is happening inside iran.

you can see in terms of trying to salvo oilman -- to save oil. >> if the iranians continue with their program, you are going to have to make an uncomfortable, which is worse? >> they are both extremely bad outcomes. it would be calamitous to have to take military action to prevent it. my point is before you get to that point, we should put the

maximum amount of effort into the current approach of pressure. it is clear the more pressure we put on and around with sanctions, we do we put on iran -- the more pressure we put on iran with sanctions, the better. it is the better option we have. i think it is impressive the european union are going to stop doing that, so maximize the pressure. clearly they have reacted by making a new offer of discussions, and they have applied to try to take this forward. we have to make it clear it is

only exception will if they are going to have civil nuclear power, but that would be the best outcome, but the iranians have to make a big change in strategic thinking. good >> the iranians have been engaging in diplomatic talks that have not come to anything. good >> i think one reason is the world has not been sufficiently united to send a clear message this is what you need to do. we have had about whole region we have have the whole serv reactor and all about. there is a greater sense the world wants to send a message about what is not acceptable, so maximize pressure, and we should give the time to work. >> of it does not work, can we live with a nuclear iran?

>> i do not want to see that come about. i do not want to give up on this track your your -- on this track. we think military action would not be the right approach. we think this track of sanctions and pressure has further run, but we do not take anything off the table. the government is very clear about five in terms of the future, but maximize the pressure. good >> so president obama confirmed his policy is to prevent iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and he confirms he would not hesitate to use force if necessary. i know we already have units deployed in the gulf, but when we provide logistical support to the americans democts but does

not a decision and we have made we did to the americans and? >> that is not a decision we have made. they believe is unacceptable for iran to have a nuclear weapon, and they hope they have made that clear. and we do have mine sweepers in the gulf as part of international forces. gokeep it open. we have not made decisions about any military actions. clearly, we want to consider how best to protect our and interest in people. >> by increasing the number of unit? >> iran is a divided society. we have seen that within the regime, the strong position even if it is suppressed.

not even iran would be of an attack. we have a situation where the iranians would like to feel iran change. they may take a different view on how they are treated. >> i would say are we doing it now to do it with the iranian people? what the alternatives are i think we could do more. it is extremely popular and successful. i think we need to communicate to people that there is a peaceful, civil nuclear future where iran can rejoin the situation. it can give up the idea of nuclear power. we have to do the right thing

for our own national security. this is what it comes back to. i do not believe an iranian look here what then is just a threat to israel. -- nuclear weapon is just a threat to israel. it could trigger a nuclear arms race. there are signs that they want to have some miss out capability. this is potentially a threat much more wider. >> did president obama and prime minister netanyahu said they would move out to prevent it from actually developing a nuclear weapon? >> that is our position, too. there are three parts to our sanctions. we are not taking anything off

the table including military action. that has been the british government's position for some time. it is what i hope will be the outcome. nothing is off the table. >> what consideration has been given t? >> have you considered all of the elements? this is exactly what we would have to do. this is one of the reasons why we brought it into being. that is why we had such a focus on somalia. these are the things that make a difference to the world and to britain.

>> evidence are beginning to work. the reality is not quite 40%. unemployment has reached 60's are appeared cammies see how it will have an affect? we have every reason to negotiate this. we know that iran has the elections this year. it would drive them toward the current regime. it to be likely to cause nuclear non-proliferation. they have every reason to continue and continue the route as long as we can. >>