BARROW MP John Woodcock has seen first-hand the damage caused to Saudi oil plants by a wave of missile and drone strikes.

The Independent MP was joined by Labour’s Graham Jones, Conservative MPs Tobias Ellwood, Royston Smith and Marcus Fysh and the Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Northover at the invitation of the Saudi government.

The group of MPs visited the Saudi Aramco sites which are believed to have been carried out by Iran.

Around 25 missiles and drones caused significant damage to the site ten days ago, causing oil output to plummet by 60 per cent.

The trip was Mr Woodcock’s second visit to the country after he met the king of Saudi Arabia in April last year.

Mr Woodcock said this year’s visit was ‘important for the UK and global economy’ following the spate of missile and drone attacks.

He said: “It's important for the UK and global economy that production steps back up after this well-resourced attack.

“The UK must make it clear that it will not tolerate Iran’s flagrant aggression towards vital Gulf ally.”

On returning to the UK for the recall of parliament, Mr Woodcock raised the issue with foreign secretary Dominic Raab.

He said: “A number of my colleagues and I were able to visit Saudi Arabia this week and see the Abqaiq facility, and to be in absolutely no doubt that the very precise damage that was done to it was conducted by the Iranians.

“We will shortly update the Register of Members’ Financial Interests on that visit. Can the Secretary of State now assure us from the Dispatch Box that there is no question that the bad behaviour of the Iranians will be rewarded and that we should be looking to be in step with the United States at this vital time?”

Mr Woodcock also showcased a piece of Cumbria during his visit, presenting senior Saudi Arabian prince Turkiye al Faisal with a pair of Cumbria Crystal whisky tumblers.

He said: “It is always good to be able to showcase the world beating products we manufacture in Furness but I must confess I was a little nervous about handing over whisky glasses made famous by a character who does not exactly abide by the rules governing relations between the sexes set out for Muslims in the Holy Quran.

“But Prince Turkiye seemed delighted with the gift and said he was familiar with James Bond from his time in the UK.

“I explained that Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston was one of the few places left in the world that can make full lead crystal of this quality.”

Chris Altree, who will fight for the Labour party at the next General Election, said: “Firstly I’m not aware why Mr Woodcock has made this visit but this is one of several visits to Saudi Arabia in recent years – a country with a terrible human rights record.

“I’d like to know what benefits of these visits are for the people of Furness?”