The deployment of additional British armed forces in Iraq must be closely monitored, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards has warned Parliament.

Mr Edwards said it was essential that the UK government put measures in place to avoid "mission creep" - the gradual increase of British troop numbers in the region.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement at the recent G7 summit where David Cameron authorised the deployment of 125 soldiers specially trained to counter improvised explosive devices, Mr Edwards took an opportunity in the House of Commons to probe David Cameron on what was being done to guard against UK troops becoming more heavily involved in Iraq.

“With further deployment of UK and US troops in Iraq, what measures has the Prime Minister put in place to guard against mission creep?” Mr Edwards asked the Prime Minister.

“One of the most important things is to come back regularly to this House and discuss and debate what we are doing."

Speaking after the debate, Mr Edwards it was clear that western policy had failed over the previous two decades.

"Now, with the Prime Minister confirming there will be an increased UK military presence in Iraq, it’s vitally important we have reassurances that our troops will not be dragged deeper and deeper into a bloody war," he said.

“I don’t believe the conflict in Iraq and Syria can be divorced. Western powers must recognise this and direct their efforts towards building non-sectarian governments.

“The best way two combat the rise of Islamic State, particularly in Iraq, is to work with Sunni tribes who have lost all faith in the Shia-dominated and western-backed post-Saddam administration.

“It is time the UK Government recognised that military action is not enough in itself to secure a lasting peaceful solution for the region.”