Monmouth MP David Davies was the guest of Pastor Paul Baxter, Deacon Carl Evans and the gentlemen of Usk Baptist Church last week.
The group meets every few months on a Monday morning at Usk Baptist Church in Old Market Street for breakfast, followed by a short talk from an invited speaker. The aim of the breakfasts is to encourage men to meet together in a Christian setting.
Mr Davies spoke about the situation in the Middle East where civil war and Islamic State extremists have caused thousands of Christians to be displaced. Afterwards, the floor was opened for questions.
“I was delighted to accept the invitation to attend the gentlemen’s breakfast in Usk and candidly exchange views on the subject of religious freedom and persecution,” said Mr Davies.
“The Middle East is a complex mix of nations and I have always taken a keen interest in the region. Indeed, since I was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2005, I have visited Syria, Iran and the West Bank to meet senior politicians there.
“Whilst I opposed military intervention against President Assad in Syria, I see the situation in Iraq very differently. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is much more than a criminal gang. It is a religious movement whose followers believe they have the right to murder those who disagree with their version of Islam and to sell women and children as slaves.
“I remain extremely concerned about the plight of Christians, Yazidis, Kurds and other minorities in the Middle East and I have made clear my support for military action against ISIL due to the severe threat posed to Britain and to Iraqi civilians.”