KRG UK delegation participates at Labour Party Conference

Liverpool, United Kingdom, www.uk.gov.krd. A delegation representing the Kurdistan Regional Government UK Representation (KRG UK), led by High Representative Karwan Jamal Tahir, attended the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool from 27 to 30 September, taking part in a series of panels, seminars and meetings, particularly the ones focusing on international affairs and developments in the Middle East.
The delegation used the conference to engage with Labour figures and officials on the party and UK Government’s approach to international developments, with particular attention to Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the wider Middle East.

During the conference, Mr. Tahir held discussions with the Leader of Labour Party Bridget Phillipson, Ed Miliband Foreign Secretary, Wes Streeting Defence Secretary, Steven Doughty Minister for MEAN, Calvin Bailey Minister for Veterans and People, Luke Pollard Minister of defence, Lord Sarwar Minister of Trade and Chris Elmore Minister at the FCDO, as well as a number of MPs, peers and senior Labour Party officials.
The meetings covered political and security developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider Middle East, including regional crises, tensions between the United States and Iran, and the impact of those developments across the region. Discussions also addressed the threat posed by terrorist organisations and armed militias.

Mr. Tahir expressed his appreciation for the United Kingdom’s continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the areas of military and security cooperation and the development and management of the Peshmerga forces.
He also referred to the planned withdrawal of allied forces from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, stressing the importance of recognising and appreciating the contribution of those forces.

British officials highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom, describing the region as an ally and emphasising the strength of bilateral ties across a range of areas. They also recognised the role played by the Peshmerga in the fight against terrorist organisations and in maintaining security and stability in the region, while welcoming efforts towards the return and integration of Peshmerga forces.

In addition to meetings with British officials, the KRG delegation held discussions with several ambassadors and diplomats attending the conference. The talks focused on developments and security threats in the Middle East, as well as the Kurdistan Region’s international relations and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

The delegation also attended the conference’s keynote address, delivered by the Leader of the party and PM Andy Burnham. The speech focused on the UK Government’s approach to the country’s economic and financial challenges and the difficulties facing households.
Burnham also addressed the economic consequences of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union and referred to preparations for options in the coming months concerning the UK’s future relationship with the EU and the possibility of reaching new arrangements between the two sides.

Liverpool, United Kingdom

September 27 – 30, 2026