May: We’ll work with Middle East to beat terror

Theresa May has pledged to work with Middle eastern countries to root out terrorists plotting to launch attacks on British streets.

Setting out her vision for the UK’s role in the region after Brexit in a major speech in Jordan, the Prime Minister promised to boost security co-operation.

But she also said there needed to be economic reform in the oil-dependent states so the booming number of youngsters are not lured into jihadism. On iran, she called for a ‘resolute’ international response as she challenged donald Trump’s reluctance to maintain the nuclear deal and set out why she believes it is needed to prevent the threat of deadly weapons.

At the end of a three-day trip that also saw her hold talks in Saudi Arabia and visit iraq, Mrs May made clear the UK will not be ‘stepping back from the world’ as it leaves the EU. She said: ‘Today, as extremists plot terrorist attacks from this region, they are not only targeting people here in the countries of the Middle east, but targeting people on the streets of Britain too.

‘As unresolved conflicts and tensions fuel instability across the Middle east, it is not only security here that is threatened, but the whole international order on which global security and prosperity depends.’

She added: ‘i have a clear message today – for our allies here in Jordan and for our allies across this region. We will support you as you confront the threats to your security and back your vision for societies and economies that will prosper today and play a positive role in the world tomorrow.’