The Arab Spring has affected countries with very different political and social systems. No single response is appropriate to them all. There is no easy transition from tyranny to freedom – or from an inefficient command economy to a free market. But the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Government of Iraq can take a leading role in this on-going revolution. You can set an example to your near neighbours. And the very fact that you are in a position to do that is a great tribute to all you have achieved in recent years.
Of course, there is more to be done. The national debate on reform will succeed or fail in laws made here – in the National Assembly. You are the guarantor of popular will. That is a tremendous responsibility. As someone who served as a Member of the British Parliament, it is a burden and responsibility I know well.
In any democratic political system, it is the majority that finally decides on policy. And that must be so. But the minority must also have its say. Democratic Opposition is a vital role. It holds governments to account: the best laws are those that benefit from a wide range of views. No-one has a monopoly of wisdom.
That concept of a loyal Opposition is central to a democracy. The House of Commons is at its best when it is united: but it is at its most vibrant when members debate opposing visions of the nation's future.
As Iraqi Kurdistan fashions its own distinctive democratic system, I am delighted to learn that it is working with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The first joint work was on the role of the Opposition. How can it be defined? How can parties work together in the national interest? Such questions are the real meat of a vibrant, representative Parliamentary system. I understand that, over the coming year, the Foundation program will be looking at strengthening the links between electors and the elected; how to get Parliamentary messages out to the broader public; and how to strengthen Parliament's ability to hold the executive to account. This is vital work that underlines how far Iraqi Kurdistan has come in such a very short time.
I also know, from my discussions with the British Consul General, that – even prior to the Arab Spring – there was an on-going and vibrant debate in Iraqi Kurdistan about how best to develop democracy, and the UK will continue to support you in that endeavour. I can assure you that our support did not end with military operations in Iraq – it is there for the long-term.
This was evidenced yesterday, when I officially opened the newly elevated Consulate General in Erbil. This Consulate represents a settled relationship. One based on political engagement, cultural exchanges, educational links and bilateral trade. You see evidence of this in the presence of British universities. You saw it last year when Sir Andrew Cahn led a high-level delegation of UK companies to the Erbil International Trade Fair, which was a great success. This year, I expect an even larger delegation to attend.
This increased UK business activity can be seen across Erbil. It's not only with respect to oil exploration, but across all sectors.
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