Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 23 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2006. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether co-operation has been restored between British forces in Multi-National Sector (South-East) and council officials in Basra and Maysan provinces in Iraq.

Answer: British officials continue to discuss re-engagement with Basrah and Maysan provincial council in an attempt to restore normal working relations as soon as possible. Co-operation between Maysan Provincial Council and British forces was restored soon after publication of the News of the World story but has since been unofficially suspended again. In the meantime, Multi National Forces continue to co-operate at all levels with the local Iraqi authorities including the Iraqi police and army in order to continue their valuable work on security sector reform.

Secondary information