MANY constituents are concerned about several foreign policy issues and, with so many conflicts or potential conflicts developing, this is neither surprising nor inappropriate.

Two of the reasons why I opposed the invasion of Iraq in 2003 are relevant now.

Firstly, the Labour Government’s infamous dossier of weapons of mass destruction conflicted with the good work of Dr Hans Blix and, was eventually, proved to be wrong.

Ironically, when we do face the prospect of a nuclear armed Iran, the international world is not helped by this recent history of embellishment of the facts.

Second, the situation in the Middle East remains central.

I am a firm believer in a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine but I remain concerned that the failure to resolve this issue continues to condition Israel’s attitude to Iran.

Pre-emptive measures by any nation - especially Israel - to deal with the latter should not be encouraged while diplomacy is still an option.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom are in concert in this respect as demonstrated by David Cameron’s recent and highly successful visit to the United States.

This approach is further underpinned by our strong relationships with European nations as we all grapple with the obvious threats posed and the dreadful situation in Syria.

Last year, I spoke about these matters in the House of Commons.

My theme was that the Helsinki Accords of 1975 provide us with a model to pave the way for a peaceful solution to the current conflicts and would enable human rights and good governance to receive the necessary attention and support.

This is all the more important because of the role that China and Russia are playing now could, potentially, play later.

To my mind, some form of conference or framework involving all the main players with a focus on international co-operation could begin to shape a lasting settlement in the Middle East - just as Helsinki did for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during the final decades of the last century. Britain’s foreign policy is geared to doing exactly that.

If you would like to discuss the issues raised above, please contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website www.neilcarmichael.co.uk