Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 17 July 2006.

Iraq: UK Forces

Question: My Lords, if by the end of this year the Iraqi Parliament carries a resolution requiring the withdrawal of American and British forces from Iraq, and that resolution is opposed by the Iraqi Government, who will we listen to, the Government or the Parliament?

Answer: My Lords, we should not speculate about events that may or may not take place. We have set out clearly the criteria under which we are supporting the establishment of the rule of law and democratic government in Iraq. The handover or transition of responsibilities in each province is managed by a joint committee for the transfer of security and responsibility. We have set out clearly the criteria under which that transition will take place. Our ability to hand over Iraq depends on the establishment of those conditions on the ground.

Secondary information