Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Sharon Hodgson (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that this Thursday's elections will further marginalise the violent forces and increase the prospects of victory and of liberation by Iraqi democrats, especially the new trade unions, which need solidarity from the international community and the British Labour movement, including groups such as Labour Friends of Iraq?

Answer: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. This Thursday's elections will be a huge step forward for the people of Iraq, the country of Iraq and the middle east as a whole. Despite all of the threats, 8.5 million people turned out in January, 10.5 million people turned out in October and 15 million people are now registered. I only hope that the people of this country pay attention on Thursday to what the overwhelming majority of Iraqis are saying by coming out to use their new-found freedoms in the same way as some commentators in this country continually pay attention to the minority who are attempting to destroy Iraqi democracy and Iraqi lives.

Secondary information