CMEC exists to raise awareness and understanding of the Middle East among Conservative MPs, Peers and in the wider Conservative Party, including among their staff and Prospective Parliamentary candidates. 

CMEC is a vehicle by which Conservatives can improve their understanding of the Middle East and it follows that we encourage a greater level of engagement with leading politicians and thinkers in the Middle East.

As Shadow Foreign Secretary, The Rt Hon William Hague MP said at Chatham House (Jan 2007):

We need to focus much increased attention on the many friendly nations of the Middle East. The combination of events in Iran and Iraq, the difficulties we are experiencing with Syria, and the state of Israeli-Palestinian relations means that we must come to office steeped in knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs.

We believe that immersing ourselves in knowledge of Middle East affairs will enable the next Conservative Government to produce a better policy framework and advance the UK's responses to issues in the region through improved understanding.

Our core activities include:

• Delegations - Increasing Understanding through travel to the Middle East
• Events - Raising Awareness through debates and events

For more information see what we do.

William Hague has neatly encapsulated the mission of the Conservative Middle East Council. We wish to provide the opportunity for Parliamentarians to immerse themselves in the knowledge and understanding of the Middle East.

[Crispin Blunt, Tuesday 19th June 2007]