PM pledges millions to tackle 'root causes' of Middle East terror
Theresa May is calling on other countries to match Britain's investment in the region as she visits Jordan.
Wednesday 29 November 2017 23:35, UK
The Prime Minister believes investment and jobs will help tackle the "root causes of terrorism" in the Middle East as she makes a new commitment to Jordan.
On a visit to the country, Theresa May will vow new long-term financial backing to help Jordan transform its economy.
The UK will initially provide £94.5m to improve education, create jobs, and "boost Jordan's long-term economic resilience".
Speaking in the capital Amman, the Prime Minister called on the rest of the international community to contribute.
"Jordan's stability is crucial to our interests in the Middle East and we are committed to helping them create jobs for all Jordanians," she said.
"I call on other countries to join us in this transformative effort so Jordan can continue to deliver vital support for the Syria crisis and remain a beacon of hope in the Middle East."
Jordan borders conflict zones in Syria and Iraq and currently hosts 1.3 million Syrians, half of them registered as refugees.
Following on from her visit to Iraq, where Mrs May discussed the success of the campaign against Islamic State, the Prime Minister is pushing the case for going beyond militarily intervention.
She will suggest that to properly defeat IS, countries like Jordan need help tackling the root causes of terrorism, by creating social and economic opportunities.
The UK Government believes the investment is ultimately in Britain's national interest as it will help stabilise the region.
Also, by creating incentives for people to stay in their neighbourhood, it will discourage them from making the perilous journey to Europe.