Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 13 March 2006.

Iraq: Military Funerals

Question: Whether they will make representations to the Government of United States on the case for coalition heads of government attending military funerals in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Answer: Military funerals at public expense are conducted in accordance with Queen’s Regulations, are unostentatious in character and the same for all ranks. The degree of ceremony at such a funeral is normally a matter for the next of kin in conjunction with the unit. It may range from the minimum of formality—for example, no more than the presence of a single representative of the deceased’s unit—to full-scale military honours. Her Majesty’s Government have no plans to make representations to the Government of the United States on the case for coalition heads of government to attend military funerals.

Secondary information