The Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP gave a lecture at the Centre on 20 July. He is the Minister of State responsible for UK relations with the Middle East, appointed to both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.

Mr Burt took as his title: Making a Difference in the Middle East: UK Objectives.

Students and senior academics enjoyed an expert survey of the challenges facing the region. In a substantial question and answer session, many questions focused on the region’s unresolved conflicts, notably in Syria and Libya, and relationships in the Gulf, notably with Iran. Concern was also expressed to promote progress on Palestine, and avert humanitarian crisis in Gaza, concerns which Mr Burt said the Government fully shared.

The Minister was also asked about the implications of wider international engagement in the region, particularly by the United States and Russia and the role of Europe, as well as the practical benefits of bringing together the political and development portfolios for the region.