Written question asked by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Monday, 13 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 June 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 11 July 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he expects British troops to return to the UK when the British area of responsibility in Iraq is ready to hand over to Iraqi forces if the US area of responsibility is not ready for handover.

Answer: The United Kingdom is committed to Iraq under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546, and for as long as the Iraqi Government judge that the coalition is required to assist and develop the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and provide security. Factors in determining the scope and timeline for eventual UK force level reductions in Iraq will include: the readiness of the ISF to take responsibility for the range of security tasks; the overall security situation; and progress on the political process. We will assess each of these factors as they affect both the four provinces covered by Multinational Division (South East) and Iraq as a whole, in close consultation with the Government of Iraq and our coalition partners, particularly the United States.

Secondary information